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State comparison · 2025

Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary: Alabama vs California

Occupation

Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California earn a median of $124,920. In Alabama, $81,080. After cost-of-living, the gap is 19.1% — not 35.1%.

Nominal pay gap
-35.1%
Alabama vs California
COL-adjusted gap
-19.1%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

Alabama

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Median
$81,080
p25
$65,230
p75
$104,300
p10
$47,330
p90
$151,300
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
88.8
See full breakdown for Alabama

California

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Median
$124,920
p25
$105,910
p75
$144,910
p10
$82,900
p90
$175,900
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
110.7
Hiring velocity (180d)
-45%
See full breakdown for California

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.