Salary distribution
Where Washington 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 $80,230 and $113,380, with a median of $88,800.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Washington: actual employer-disclosed pay
Public records from 16 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. Median offered wage: $111,960. Every figure below is an actual offered salary an employer attested to under federal law.
By DOL wage level
DOL classifies every offer into one of four wage levels based on the role's experience and skill requirements.
| Level | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|
| Level I — entry | 7 | $90,730 |
| Level II — qualified | 4 | $119,527 |
| Level III — experienced | 1 | $129,563 |
Top employers filing for this role
Companies with the most certified filings for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Washington. Median offer is across all of that employer's filings.
| Employer | Most-filed title | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battelle Memorial Institute | Earth Scientist (Atmospheric and Space Scientists) | 15 | $112,270 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Research Scientist | 1 | $104,722 |
Recent sample filings
A snapshot of recent certified offers. Each line is a real, public, verifiable record.
- Earth Scientist (Atmospheric and Space Scientists) at Battelle Memorial Institute$111,650RichlandDecided Dec 12, 2025I-200-25340-463278
- Research Scientist at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University$104,722RichlandWage Level IDecided May 5, 2025I-200-25118-912410
- Earth Scientist (Atmospheric and Space Scientists) at Battelle Memorial Institute$111,650RichlandDecided Nov 19, 2025I-200-25316-402596
- Earth Scientist (Atmospheric and Space Scientists) at Battelle Memorial Institute$122,125RichlandDecided Nov 19, 2025I-200-25316-402786
- Earth Scientist (Atmospheric and Space Scientists) at Battelle Memorial Institute$112,270West RichlandDecided Nov 14, 2025I-200-25307-363313
- Earth Scientist (Atmospheric Science) at Battelle Memorial Institute$123,501RichlandWage Level IIDecided Aug 21, 2025I-200-25226-242723
- Post Doctorate Research Associate (Atmospheric Science) at Battelle Memorial Institute$89,440RichlandWage Level IDecided Aug 15, 2025I-200-25220-231020
- Earth Scientist (Atmospheric Science) at Battelle Memorial Institute$114,958RichlandWage Level IIDecided Aug 1, 2025I-200-25206-200672
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Foreign Labor Certification. Disclosed wages reflect what employers attested to pay; actual paid wages may differ. Only certified filings are shown — denied and withdrawn cases are excluded.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists pay by experience level in Washington
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists specialties in Washington
Real specialty titles employers file for, clustered from 13 certified offers. The most common variant is Earth Scientist (Atmospheric and Space Scientists) at a median of $115,670.
| Specialty | Top employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earth Scientist (Atmospheric and Space Scientists) | Battelle Memorial Institute | 9 | $115,670 |
| Post Doctorate Research Associate (Atmospheric Science) | Battelle Memorial Institute | 4 | $90,085 |
Specialties with 10 or more filings link to a dedicated breakdown.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Washington, by industry
Median offered wage across 16 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Professional services leads with a median of $112,270.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional services | Battelle Memorial Institute | 15 | $112,270 |
| Education | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | 1 | $104,722 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Washington over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
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.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+1.1%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Slower than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesCompare Atmospheric and Space Scientists pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Washington?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Washington is $88,800.
- How does Washington compare to the national median for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?
- The Washington median is -0.8% versus the BLS national figure of $89,539.
- What is the salary range for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Washington?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $66,270 and the 90th-percentile at $173,050, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Atmospheric and Space Scientists a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 1.1% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- 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. Wage data reflects BLS estimates 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.