State comparison · 2025
Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary: California vs Washington
Atmospheric and Space Scientists in California earn a median of $124,920. In Washington, $94,400. After cost-of-living, the gap is 27.9% — not 32.3%.
Nominal pay gap
+32.3%
California vs Washington
COL-adjusted gap
+27.9%
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%
Washington
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
- Median
- $94,400
- p25
- $85,400
- p75
- $124,990
- p10
- $76,440
- p90
- $160,750
- COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
- 107.0
- Hiring velocity (180d)
- -22%
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.