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State comparison · 2025

Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary: California vs North Dakota

Occupation

Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California earn a median of $124,920. In North Dakota, $91,560. After cost-of-living, the gap is 9.7% — not 36.4%.

Nominal pay gap
+36.4%
California vs North Dakota
COL-adjusted gap
+9.7%
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 Dakota

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Median
$91,560
p25
$61,110
p75
$126,440
p10
$48,570
p90
$136,990
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
89.0
See full breakdown for North Dakota

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.