RateOrchard
State comparison · 2025

Environmental Scientists and Specialists salary: California vs North Dakota

Occupation

Environmental Scientists and Specialists in California earn a median of $106,510. In North Dakota, $84,570. After cost-of-living, the gap is 1.3% — not 25.9%.

Nominal pay gap
+25.9%
California vs North Dakota
COL-adjusted gap
+1.3%
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

North Dakota

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Median
$84,570
p25
$67,020
p75
$92,340
p10
$60,110
p90
$109,300
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.