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State comparison · 2025

Environmental Scientists and Specialists salary: California vs Idaho

Occupation

Environmental Scientists and Specialists in California earn a median of $106,510. In Idaho, $70,350. After cost-of-living, the gap is 30.6% — not 51.4%.

Nominal pay gap
+51.4%
California vs Idaho
COL-adjusted gap
+30.6%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

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

Idaho

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Median
$70,350
p25
$61,880
p75
$85,650
p10
$53,360
p90
$108,100
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
95.5
See full breakdown for Idaho

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.