How to Become a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in California
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths in California earn a median salary of $97,520/year, which is 22% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~5.3%. After taxes and rent, a environmental scientists and specialists, including health takes home approximately $4,570/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a environmental scientists and specialists, including health can afford in California
Becoming a environmental scientists and specialists, including health in California
Meet education requirements
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many environmental scientists and specialists, including health positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for environmental scientists and specialists, including healths. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 13,200 environmental scientists and specialists, including healths. The highest concentrations are in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $110K | $53/hr | 1,630 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $102K | $49.24/hr | 3,390 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $102K | $48.82/hr | 2,530 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $100K | $47.96/hr | 450 |
| Napa | $98K | $46.93/hr | 50 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $96K | $46.34/hr | 770 |
| Redding | $95K | $45.72/hr | 120 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $95K | $45.72/hr | 200 |
| Salinas | $95K | $45.72/hr | 110 |
| Yuba City | $95K | $45.72/hr | 60 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $95K | $45.72/hr | 130 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $95K | $45.72/hr | 200 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $95K | $45.72/hr | 150 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $93K | $44.7/hr | 190 |
| El Centro | $93K | $44.56/hr | 40 |
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health salary range in California
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a environmental scientists and specialists, including health make in California?▼
The median environmental scientists and specialists, including health salary in California is $97,520 per year ($46.89/hr). This is 22% above the national median of $80,060. Salaries range from $60,430 to $158,720.
What are the requirements to become a environmental scientists and specialists, including health in California?▼
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a environmental scientists and specialists, including health afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $97,520, a environmental scientists and specialists, including health in California would take home approximately $5,982/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 23.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for environmental scientists and specialists, including healths in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for environmental scientists and specialists, including healths in California are San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($110,240), Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom ($102,420), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim ($101,540). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for environmental scientists and specialists, including healths?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.3%. On a $97,520 salary, this means roughly $5,207/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.