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State comparison · 2025

Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary: California vs Illinois

Occupation

Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California earn a median of $124,920. In Illinois, $112,280. After cost-of-living, the gap is 0.5% — not 11.3%.

Nominal pay gap
+11.3%
California vs Illinois
COL-adjusted gap
+0.5%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

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

Illinois

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Median
$112,280
p25
$84,220
p75
$145,860
p10
$51,710
p90
$211,910
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
100.0
Hiring velocity (180d)
+200%
See full breakdown for Illinois

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.