Salary distribution
Where San Francisco atmospheric and space scientists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $112,750 and $167,340, with a median of $141,370.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.4 / 5
Physics
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Geography
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
- 02
Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
- 03
Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.
- 04
Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
- 05
Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
- 06
Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
- 07
Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
- 08
Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for atmospheric and space scientists.
- Sacramento$108,950
- San Diego$107,410
- Los Angeles$105,740
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $141,370.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?
- The San Francisco metro median is +20.0% versus the California state median of $117,770.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?
- The San Francisco metro median is +57.9% versus the BLS national figure of $89,539.
- What is the salary range for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $96,010 and the 90th-percentile at $225,000 for the San Francisco metro area.
- What education is required for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.