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State comparison · 2025

Environmental Engineers salary: California vs South Carolina

Occupation

Environmental Engineers in California earn a median of $130,410. In South Carolina, $96,140. After cost-of-living, the gap is 14.8% — not 35.6%.

Nominal pay gap
+35.6%
California vs South Carolina
COL-adjusted gap
+14.8%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

California

Environmental Engineers

Median
$130,410
p25
$95,950
p75
$148,650
p10
$79,790
p90
$170,790
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
110.7
Hiring velocity (180d)
-59%
See full breakdown for California

South Carolina

Environmental Engineers

Median
$96,140
p25
$81,230
p75
$120,050
p10
$47,740
p90
$149,340
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
93.7
Hiring velocity (180d)
-67%
See full breakdown for South 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.