State comparison · 2025
Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary: California vs Virginia
Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California earn a median of $124,920. In Virginia, $83,880. After cost-of-living, the gap is 36% — not 48.9%.
Nominal pay gap
+48.9%
California vs Virginia
COL-adjusted gap
+36%
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%
Virginia
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
- Median
- $83,880
- p25
- $80,710
- p75
- $154,930
- p10
- $68,770
- p90
- $179,050
- COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
- 101.1
- Hiring velocity (180d)
- +400%
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.