RateOrchard
State comparison · 2025

Environmental Scientists and Specialists salary: California vs Indiana

Occupation

Environmental Scientists and Specialists in California earn a median of $106,510. In Indiana, $64,700. After cost-of-living, the gap is 38.7% — not 64.6%.

Nominal pay gap
+64.6%
California vs Indiana
COL-adjusted gap
+38.7%
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

Indiana

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Median
$64,700
p25
$52,580
p75
$94,910
p10
$46,830
p90
$124,380
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
93.3
Hiring velocity (180d)
-20%
See full breakdown for Indiana

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.