State comparison · 2025
Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary: California vs Iowa
Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California earn a median of $124,920. In Iowa, $76,850. After cost-of-living, the gap is 28.9% — not 62.6%.
Nominal pay gap
+62.6%
California vs Iowa
COL-adjusted gap
+28.9%
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%
Iowa
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
- Median
- $76,850
- p25
- $74,260
- p75
- $111,030
- p10
- $50,300
- p90
- $139,170
- COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
- 87.8
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.