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Average Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary in California

Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $121,620, significantly surpassing the national average of $94,720. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust economy, high demand for specialized scientific expertise, and the state's generally higher cost of living, which necessitates greater remuneration for skilled professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $121,620 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.7% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $178,280.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 580 professionals, California demonstrates a notable presence in the field of Atmospheric and Space Science. The Location Quotient of 0.56 suggests that while the concentration is below the national average, the absolute number of professionals indicates a substantial and active market for these specialized roles, implying a steady demand for talent within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$121,620

The average Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California earns+28.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$58.5

Weekly

$2,339

Monthly

$10,135

Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary Distribution in California

Career progression for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the substantial gap between starting salaries and the $121,620 average indicates that experienced professionals command higher compensation, reflecting accumulated expertise, leadership responsibilities, and specialized skill development.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$74,630$35.9
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$91,215$43.9
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$117,770$56.6
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$152,025$73.1
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$178,280$85.7

Detailed Atmospheric and Space Scientists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$121,620

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$87,812

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The nominal average salary of $121,620 in California must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that while the gross income is substantially higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is diminished due to the elevated cost of goods and services, particularly housing, in the state.

Job Market Context

580

Total Jobs

0.032

Per 1K Jobs

0.56

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.56x the national average concentration of Atmospheric and Space Scientists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.56 indicates that Atmospheric and Space Scientists are less concentrated in California compared to the national average. This suggests that while the state employs a significant number of these professionals, the job market may not be saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals seeking employment in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Atmospheric and Space Scientists make in California?

The median annual salary for a Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California is $121,620. This typically ranges from $74,630 for entry-level positions to $178,280 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 28.4% higher than the national median of $94,720.

Is California a lucrative place for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?

Yes, California offers a lucrative environment for Atmospheric and Space Scientists.The state boasts an average salary significantly above the national average, reflecting high demand and a strong economic base. However, this is tempered by a considerably higher cost of living.

Is California a good place to live for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does California's salary compare to the national average for this role?

Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California earn an average of $121,620 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $94,720.

What is the concentration of Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.56, indicating that these professionals are less concentrated in California than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in California?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average, meaning the higher nominal salary has reduced purchasing power.

What does the job market look like for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California?

The market is substantial, with 580 professionals, and while the concentration is below average, it suggests a healthy demand for specialized skills in the state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 580 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.032 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Atmospheric and Space Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California