Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, command an impressive average annual salary of $120,760. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $91,550, reflecting the high demand and specialized nature of environmental roles within this dynamic metropolitan area. The concentration of technology, research, and development in the region likely drives the need for expert environmental oversight and management, thus dictating higher compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $120,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $185,140.
- Outlook: The local job market for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, shows a moderate level of concentration with a Location Quotient of 0.71, indicating a slightly lower presence compared to the national average. However, with a total local workforce of 450 individuals in this field, the market offers a stable environment for professionals. The presence of nearly 0.4 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests consistent, albeit not explosive, demand for these specialized skills.
Salary Overview
The average Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earns+31.9%above the national average.
$58.1
$2,322
$10,063
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, Including Health in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is generally observed across many specialized scientific fields, driven by increasing environmental regulations, a growing awareness of sustainability, and the continuous need for expert analysis and solutions in a developed economic region.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Distribution in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Career progression for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the substantial difference between starting salaries and the $120,760 average suggests that gaining experience, acquiring advanced certifications, and taking on greater responsibilities can lead to considerable financial rewards. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of the career trajectory and earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $74,330 | $35.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $90,570 | $43.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $99,750 | $48 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $150,950 | $72.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $185,140 | $89 |
Detailed Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$120,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$120,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $120,760 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is substantially higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively equivalent to the national average. Therefore, relocating to this area for this role offers a comparable standard of living in terms of expenses, despite the higher nominal wage.
Job Market Context
450
Total Jobs
0.393
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has 0.71x the national average concentration of Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.71, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, market for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the field is present and active, it may not be as saturated as in other regions. Professionals might find a balance between available opportunities and competition, potentially leading to a more favorable job search environment compared to highly concentrated markets.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Comparing salaries near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Hiring Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $120,760. This typically ranges from $74,330 for entry-level positions to $185,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 31.9% higher than the national median of $91,550.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a lucrative place for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health.The average salary of $120,760 significantly exceeds the national average, and while the cost of living is at the national average, the high nominal wage offers strong earning potential.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a good place to live for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
The Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($94,560) and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 450 Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health indicates a dedicated professional community, suggesting a stable demand for these roles within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.71 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.71, suggests that this profession is less concentrated locally than nationally, potentially offering a less competitive job market for qualified individuals.
How does the cost of living affect the perceived salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $120,760 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning the higher salary is not significantly diminished by local expenses.
Are there many Environmental Scientist jobs per capita in this area?
With 0.393 jobs per 1,000 workers, the density of Environmental Scientist roles is present, indicating consistent opportunities for professionals in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area with a job density of 0.393 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 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA