Average Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary in California
Environmental Scientists and Specialists in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $107,420, significantly exceeding the national average of $91,550. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust environmental regulations, high demand for specialized expertise, and the state's dynamic economy, which necessitates a skilled workforce to navigate complex ecological challenges.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $107,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $158,720.
- Outlook: California boasts a substantial workforce of 13,200 Environmental Scientists and Specialists, indicating a significant presence in the state. With a Location Quotient of 1.33, this profession is more concentrated in California than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for these roles within the state's unique environmental landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in California earns+17.3%above the national average.
$51.6
$2,066
$8,952
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Environmental Scientists and Specialists in California have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is likely fueled by increasing environmental awareness, stricter regulatory frameworks, and the ongoing need for professionals to address climate change impacts and sustainable development initiatives.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Distribution in California
Career progression for Environmental Scientists and Specialists in California typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive project management experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $60,430 | $29.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $80,565 | $38.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $97,520 | $46.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $134,275 | $64.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $158,720 | $76.3 |
Detailed Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$107,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$77,560
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the average annual salary of $107,420 in California is substantial, it's crucial to consider the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is lower than in a national average location, requiring careful financial planning to maintain a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
13,200
Total Jobs
0.731
Per 1K Jobs
1.33
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.33, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.33 signifies that Environmental Scientists and Specialists are more prevalent in California than the national average, indicating a relatively robust job market for this profession. While this suggests good opportunities, it also implies a competitive environment where specialized skills and experience are highly valued.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Comparing salaries near California
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health make in California?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in California is $107,420. This typically ranges from $60,430 for entry-level positions to $158,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 17.3% higher than the national median of $91,550.
Is California a lucrative place for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
Yes, California offers a lucrative environment for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths.The state offers a significantly higher average salary compared to the national average, reflecting strong demand and a concentration of these roles.
Is California a good place to live for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Visalia, CA ($96,410) and Fresno, CA.
What is the average salary for an Environmental Scientist in California?
The average annual salary for an Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health in California is $107,420.
How does California's salary compare to the national average?
California's average salary of $107,420 is considerably higher than the national average of $91,550 for this profession.
Is the job market for Environmental Scientists strong in California?
Yes, with a Location Quotient of 1.33, the job market is more concentrated and suggests a robust demand for these professionals in California.
How does the cost of living affect the Environmental Scientist salary in California?
California's high cost of living (138.5) means that the $107,420 salary has less purchasing power than it would in a lower cost-of-living area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,200 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.731 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California