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State comparison · 2025

Environmental Scientists and Specialists salary: California vs New Mexico

Occupation

Environmental Scientists and Specialists in California earn a median of $106,510. In New Mexico, $86,630. After cost-of-living, the gap is 2.4% — not 22.9%.

Nominal pay gap
+22.9%
California vs New Mexico
COL-adjusted gap
+2.4%
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

New Mexico

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Median
$86,630
p25
$76,080
p75
$104,250
p10
$60,920
p90
$129,080
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
92.2
See full breakdown for New Mexico

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.