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State comparison · 2025

Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary: California vs Tennessee

Occupation

Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California earn a median of $124,920. In Tennessee, $96,190. After cost-of-living, the gap is 7.8% — not 29.9%.

Nominal pay gap
+29.9%
California vs Tennessee
COL-adjusted gap
+7.8%
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

Tennessee

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Median
$96,190
p25
$78,060
p75
$129,620
p10
$77,580
p90
$137,880
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
91.9
See full breakdown for Tennessee

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.