Environmental Scientist Salary in California
Based on 12K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$106,510
$51.21/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
+33.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $162K
12K employed in California
Environmental Scientist salary in California averages $106,510 annually, significantly outpacing the national median by 33 percent. With approximately 12,490 environmental scientists employed throughout the state, California offers robust job opportunities in this field. Salaries typically range from $65,350 to $161,910, reflecting considerable variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence Environmental Scientist salary in California, including education level, years of experience, and employer type. Government agencies, consulting firms, and private corporations offer different compensation packages. Geographic location within California, specialized expertise in areas like water quality or air pollution, and professional certifications also impact earning potential. The state's strong environmental regulations and commitment to sustainability create competitive demand for qualified professionals.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,350 |
| 25th percentile | $81,480 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $106,510 |
| 75th percentile | $132,770 |
| 90th percentile | $161,910 |
Top-Paying Industries for Environmental Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Environmental Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Environmental Scientists in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $134,100 | 110 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $122,660 | 210 |
| Manufacturing | $120,930 | 1K |
| Utilities | $115,170 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $110,020 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Environmental Scientist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,100 |
| 2023 | $95,890 |
| 2024 | $97,520 |
| 2025 | $106,510 |
| 2026 (projected) | $112,901 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,100 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $95,890 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $97,520 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $106,510 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $112,901 | $84,845 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,480 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $106,510 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $132,770 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $161,910 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Environmental Scientist ($106,510 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in CA | $207,490 | +94.8% | $99.75/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in CA | $139,580 | +31.0% | $67.11/hr |
| Medical Scientist in CA | $136,990 | +28.6% | $65.86/hr |
| Psychologist in CA | $116,000 | +8.9% | $55.77/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in CA | $109,610 | +2.9% | $52.70/hr |
| Geoscientist in CA | $106,500 | -0.0% | $51.20/hr |
| Chemist in CA | $97,860 | -8.1% | $47.05/hr |
| Network Administrator in CA | $106,440 | -0.1% | $51.17/hr |
| Financial Examiner in CA | $106,000 | -0.5% | $50.96/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in CA | $104,820 | -1.6% | $50.39/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in CA | $108,890 | +2.2% | $52.35/hr |
| Financial Analyst in CA | $109,110 | +2.4% | $52.46/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in California?
- Environmental scientists in California earn a median salary of $106,510 per year, or approximately $51 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 33.1% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in California?
- The salary range for environmental scientists in California spans from $65,350 at the lower end to $161,910 at the upper end, reflecting differences based on experience, employer, and specialization.
How many environmental scientists are employed in California?
- There are approximately 12,490 environmental scientists currently employed in California, indicating a substantial job market for this profession in the state.
Is working as an environmental scientist in California better paid than the national average?
- Yes, environmental scientists in California earn 33.1% more than the national average, with a median salary of $106,510 compared to the national figure, making it one of the highest-paying states for this profession.