📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Environmental Scientists and Specialists Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$122,759
per year
Median
$112,507
per year
Hourly
$59.02
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$77,536
25th Percentile — Junior$101,406
50th Percentile — Median$112,507
75th Percentile — Senior$155,114
90th Percentile — Top Earners$175,645
💡 Top-earning Environmental Scientists and Specialistss in California make up to $175,645 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$101.9k
2021
$105.7k
2022
$109.8k
2023
$113.9k
2024
$118.3k
2025
$122.8k
2026
📈 Environmental Scientists and Specialists salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Environmental Scientists and Specialists Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $190,276 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $181,683 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $211,145 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $227,104 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $132,580 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $149,766 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $178,001 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $132,580 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $174,318 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $171,863 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $157,132 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $144,856 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $190,276 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $144,856 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $137,490 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $149,766 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $141,173 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $181,683 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $196,414 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Environmental Scientists and Specialists Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Environmental Scientists and Specialistss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $122,759 per year, California's Environmental Scientists and Specialists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $77,536–$101,406, while experienced Environmental Scientists and Specialistss can command $155,114–$175,645.

Looking ahead, the Environmental Scientists and Specialists profession in California is projected to grow at 3.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Environmental Scientists and Specialists salary in California is $122,759 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $86,450.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Environmental Scientists and Specialistss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Environmental Scientists and Specialists employment.
  • At $122,759/year, California Environmental Scientists and Specialists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $86,450/year.