Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary in California
Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California earn a median annual wage of $124,920 —26.1% above the national median of $99,070. That ranks CA #2 of 47 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is only 0.43× as concentrated as the national average — this occupation is relatively scarce in California.
Highest-paying states for atmospheric and space scientists
All 47 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $128,800 | $61.92 | 750 | 4.21 |
| 2 | California | $124,920 | $60.06 | 510 | 0.43 |
| 3 | Hawaii | $121,010 | $58.18 | 70 | 1.69 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $120,180 | $57.78 | 60 | 0.20 |
| 5 | Idaho | $119,430 | $57.42 | 50 | 0.96 |
| 6 | New York | $117,540 | $56.51 | 370 | 0.59 |
| 7 | Florida | $115,960 | $55.75 | 270 | 0.43 |
| 8 | Arizona | $115,020 | $55.30 | 80 | 0.36 |
| 9 | Missouri | $114,230 | $54.92 | 160 | 0.83 |
| 10 | Illinois | $112,280 | $53.98 | 110 | 0.27 |
Related occupations in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $136,990 | $103,410 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $102,840 | $90,150 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $106,510 | $82,220 |
| Chemists | $97,860 | $91,240 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $116,000 | $100,580 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $78,350 | $62,280 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do atmospheric and space scientists make in California?
The median annual wage for atmospheric and space scientists in California is $124,920, or $60.06 per hour. That is 26.1% above the national median of $99,070.
What is the entry-level atmospheric and space scientists salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $82,900 per year ($39.86/hour). The 25th percentile is $105,910.
How many people work as atmospheric and space scientists in California?
About 510 people work in this occupation in California, or 0.0 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for atmospheric and space scientists?
California ranks #2 of 47 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is only 0.43x as concentrated as the national average, so this occupation is relatively scarce in California.
Which state pays atmospheric and space scientists the most?
Maryland has the highest median wage at $128,800 per year, followed by California ($124,920) and Hawaii ($121,010).