Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area command an impressive average annual salary of $130,690. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $114,010, reflecting the region's specialized demand and higher operational costs. The concentration of scientific and technological industries in the Bay Area likely drives this elevated compensation for geoscientific expertise.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $130,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
- Outlook: The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metropolitan area demonstrates a robust job market for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers, with a total local workforce of 540 individuals in this field. The Location Quotient of 1.55 indicates a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting strong regional demand and a well-established presence of geoscientific roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+14.6%above the national average.
$62.8
$2,513
$10,891
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend would align with broader economic patterns and the increasing importance of geological sciences in urban development, environmental management, and resource exploration within a dynamic metropolitan region.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Salary progression for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive project experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on expertise within the local job market.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $93,310 | $44.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $98,018 | $47.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $124,270 | $59.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $163,363 | $78.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $191,880 | $92.3 |
Detailed Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$130,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$130,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $130,690 for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary translates directly into strong purchasing power, allowing professionals in this field to maintain a comparable or even improved standard of living compared to their counterparts in other regions.
Job Market Context
540
Total Jobs
0.226
Per 1K Jobs
1.55
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 1.6x the national concentration of Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.55, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area exhibits a notably higher concentration of Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where demand for these specialized skills is significant, and companies actively seek out talent within the region, potentially leading to more opportunities and specialized roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary | $138,470↑ 6% | 42 mi |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary | $114,570↓ 12% | 50 mi |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary | $131,730↑ 1% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $130,690. This typically ranges from $93,310 for entry-level positions to $191,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 14.6% higher than the national median of $114,010.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographerss?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative location.Geoscientists in this area earn significantly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially advantageous.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($138,470) and Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $130,690, which is substantially higher than the national average of $114,010.
What is the concentration of Geoscientists in this area?
The Location Quotient of 1.55 indicates that Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers are 55% more concentrated in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher local salary offers excellent purchasing power without the added burden of a significantly higher cost of living.
What does the job market size suggest for Geoscientists?
With 540 Geoscientists in the local workforce and a high concentration, the job market suggests a strong and established demand for these professionals within the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 0.226 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 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA