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State comparison · 2025

Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary: Arizona vs California

Occupation

Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California earn a median of $124,920. In Arizona, $115,020. After cost-of-living, the gap is 1.2% — not 7.9%.

Nominal pay gap
-7.9%
Arizona vs California
COL-adjusted gap
+1.2%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

Arizona

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Median
$115,020
p25
$77,330
p75
$132,660
p10
$63,920
p90
$156,500
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
100.7
See full breakdown for Arizona

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.