State comparison · 2025
Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary: California vs South Dakota
Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California earn a median of $124,920. In South Dakota, $78,900. After cost-of-living, the gap is 26.7% — not 58.3%.
Nominal pay gap
+58.3%
California vs South Dakota
COL-adjusted gap
+26.7%
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%
South Dakota
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
- Median
- $78,900
- p25
- $68,220
- p75
- $104,380
- p10
- $63,350
- p90
- $129,960
- COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
- 88.6
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.