Geoscientist Salary in California
Based on 3K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$106,500
$51.20/hr
vs National Average
$90,668
+17.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $171K
3K employed in California
The median Geoscientist salary in California is $106,500 per year, which is significantly higher than the national average, by approximately 17.5%. This translates to an hourly wage of about $51. With 3,350 Geoscientists employed in the state, California offers a robust job market for these professionals.
Several factors can influence the Geoscientist salary in California. Experience level, specific industry (such as oil and gas, mining, or environmental consulting), geographic location within the state, and specialized skills like GIS or remote sensing all play a role. The salary range for Geoscientists in California spans from $45,540 to $171,270.
Salary Distribution — Geoscientist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,540 |
| 25th percentile | $73,850 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $106,500 |
| 75th percentile | $138,120 |
| 90th percentile | $171,270 |
Top-Paying Industries for Geoscientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Geoscientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Geoscientists in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $168,680 | 910 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $158,590 | 4K |
| Utilities | $133,170 | 120 |
| Manufacturing | $131,040 | 110 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $122,390 | 30 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Geoscientist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $106,500 |
| 2026 (projected) | $109,695 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $106,500 | $90,668 |
| 2026 (projected) | $109,695 | $93,388 |
Geoscientist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $73,850 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $106,500 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $138,120 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $171,270 |
Geoscientist Salary in Other States
Related Geoscientist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Geoscientist ($106,500 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Geoscientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in CA | $207,490 | +94.8% | $99.75/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in CA | $139,580 | +31.1% | $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 |
| Environmental Scientist in CA | $106,510 | +0.0% | $51.21/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 | +2.5% | $52.46/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Geoscientist in California?
- The median Geoscientist salary in California is $106,500 annually. This is considerably higher than the national average and reflects strong demand in the state.
What is the typical salary range for Geoscientists in California?
- Geoscientists in California can expect to earn within a wide range, from $45,540 on the lower end to $171,270 at the top. This variation is influenced by experience and specialization.
How does the Geoscientist salary in California compare to the rest of the US?
- The Geoscientist salary in California is about 17.5% higher than the national average. This makes California a particularly attractive state for these professionals.
How many Geoscientists are employed in California?
- There are approximately 3,350 Geoscientists employed in California. This indicates a substantial presence of this profession within the state's workforce.