Average Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary in California
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers, in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $119,100, surpassing the national average of $114,010. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust economy, high demand for geological expertise in sectors like energy and environmental consulting, and the state's generally higher wage structure.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $119,100 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $178,880.
- Outlook: California boasts a significant concentration of Geoscientists, with a local workforce of 3,150 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.2 indicates a higher prevalence of these professionals in the state compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and established job market with consistent demand for their specialized skills.
Salary Overview
The average Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in California earns+4.5%above the national average.
$57.3
$2,290
$9,925
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Geoscientists in California have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth in specialized scientific fields. This growth is typically fueled by increasing industry needs and the ongoing development of new technologies and research.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary Distribution in California
Career progression for Geoscientists in California significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and extensive project experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting a substantial increase in compensation as one advances through junior, mid-level, and senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $66,560 | $32 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $89,325 | $42.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $111,400 | $53.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $148,875 | $71.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $178,880 | $86 |
Detailed Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$119,100
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$85,993
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the nominal average salary of $119,100 in California is attractive, it's crucial to consider the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that everyday expenses are approximately 38.5% higher than the national average, suggesting that the purchasing power of the higher salary may be somewhat diminished when compared to more affordable regions.
Job Market Context
3,150
Total Jobs
0.175
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.2 for Geoscientists in California signifies a market that is 20% more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy and active job market where opportunities are relatively abundant, and employers actively seek out talent within this specialized field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fresno, CA Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary | $110,780↓ 7% | 46 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary | $129,080↑ 8% | 64 mi |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary | $111,410↓ 6% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers make in California?
The median annual salary for a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in California is $119,100. This typically ranges from $66,560 for entry-level positions to $178,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 4.5% higher than the national median of $114,010.
Is California a lucrative place for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographerss?
Yes, California is a lucrative place for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers.The state offers a higher average salary than the national average, coupled with a strong concentration of these professionals, indicating robust demand.
Is California a good place to live for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers?
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 Fresno, CA ($110,780) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.
How does California's average Geoscientist salary compare to the national average?
California Geoscientists earn an average of $119,100 annually, which is higher than the national average of $114,010.
What is the concentration of Geoscientists in California?
California has a Location Quotient of 1.2 for Geoscientists, meaning the field is 20% more concentrated there than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Geoscientist salary in California?
With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, expenses in California are significantly higher, meaning the $119,100 salary may have less purchasing power than in lower-cost states.
What is the total number of Geoscientists in California?
There are approximately 3,150 Geoscientists, excluding hydrologists and geographers, employed within California.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,150 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.175 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California