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State comparison · 2025

Environmental Scientists and Specialists salary: Arizona vs California

Occupation

Environmental Scientists and Specialists in California earn a median of $106,510. In Arizona, $80,600. After cost-of-living, the gap is 16.8% — not 24.3%.

Nominal pay gap
-24.3%
Arizona vs California
COL-adjusted gap
-16.8%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

Arizona

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Median
$80,600
p25
$64,420
p75
$103,010
p10
$57,100
p90
$160,910
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
100.7
Hiring velocity (180d)
-55%
See full breakdown for Arizona

California

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Median
$106,510
p25
$81,480
p75
$132,770
p10
$65,350
p90
$161,910
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
110.7
Hiring velocity (180d)
-44%
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.