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State comparison · 2025

Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary: California vs North Carolina

Occupation

Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California earn a median of $124,920. In North Carolina, $91,560. After cost-of-living, the gap is 16.2% — not 36.4%.

Nominal pay gap
+36.4%
California vs North Carolina
COL-adjusted gap
+16.2%
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

North Carolina

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Median
$91,560
p25
$58,920
p75
$115,210
p10
$49,940
p90
$136,990
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
94.3
See full breakdown for North Carolina

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.