State comparison · 2025
Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary: Alaska vs California
Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California earn a median of $124,920. In Alaska, $94,380. After cost-of-living, the gap is 18.3% — not 24.4%.
Nominal pay gap
-24.4%
Alaska vs California
COL-adjusted gap
-18.3%
After BEA Regional Price Parities
Alaska
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
- Median
- $94,380
- p25
- $65,230
- p75
- $106,510
- p10
- $61,150
- p90
- $135,030
- COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
- 102.4
- Hiring velocity (180d)
- +100%
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%
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.