Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $143,790, significantly surpassing the national average of $118,550. This elevated compensation is likely driven by California's robust research institutions, high demand for specialized scientific educators, and the state's overall economic strength, which supports higher pay scales for critical academic roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $143,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $215,685.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,700 professionals in this specialized field, California demonstrates a substantial concentration of talent. The Location Quotient of 1.27 indicates that these science educators are more prevalent in California than the national average, suggesting a healthy and potentially growing demand for their expertise within the state's academic landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary in California earns+21.3%above the national average.
$69.1
$2,765
$11,983
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary in California have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically fueled by inflation, increasing demand for specialized STEM education, and the competitive nature of attracting top-tier academic talent to the state's leading universities and research facilities.
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Distribution in California
Career progression for Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary in California typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professors and researchers with extensive publication records and leadership roles can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their accumulated expertise and contributions to the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $65,270 | $31.4 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $107,843 | $51.8 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $129,000 | $62 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $179,738 | $86.4 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $215,685 | $103.7 |
Detailed Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$143,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$103,819
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
The nominal salary of $143,790 in California must be considered alongside the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5, which is considerably higher than the national average. While the salary is robust, the higher cost of living, particularly in major metropolitan areas, means that the purchasing power of this salary may be somewhat diminished compared to lower-cost regions, though still likely advantageous.
Job Market Context
1,700
Total Jobs
0.094
Per 1K Jobs
1.27
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.27, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.27 signifies that Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary are 27% more concentrated in California than in the average U.S. state. This suggests a competitive market where institutions actively seek and retain specialized talent, potentially leading to higher salary offers to attract and keep qualified educators within the state.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary make in California?
The median annual salary for a Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary in California is $143,790. This typically ranges from $65,270 for entry-level positions to $215,685 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 21.3% higher than the national median of $118,550.
Is California a lucrative place for Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondarys?
Yes, California is a lucrative state for these educators.The average salary of $143,790 significantly exceeds the national average, and the higher concentration of these roles (LQ 1.27) indicates strong demand and competitive compensation.
Is California a good place to live for Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondarys?
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?
The average annual salary in California is $143,790, which is substantially higher than the national average of $118,550.
What is the concentration of these science teachers in California?
California has a Location Quotient of 1.27 for these positions, meaning they are 27% more concentrated than the national average, indicating a higher prevalence of these roles.
How does the cost of living impact the salary in California?
With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average. While the high salary helps, the purchasing power is affected by these elevated living costs.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers suggest?
The figure of 0.094 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates the relative density of these specialized teaching positions within the broader California workforce, suggesting a niche but present demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,700 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.094 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California