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Science · California

How to Become a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in California

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in California earn a median salary of $106,500/year, which is 4% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~5.7%. After taxes and rent, a geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers takes home approximately $4,856/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$107K
Median salary in California
+4%
vs. national average
5.7%
State income tax
3,350
Employed in California

What a geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers can afford in California

Gross annual salary$106,500
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.7% state tax)$6,439/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,583/mo
Rent as % of take-home24.6% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$106,500/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$4,856/mo

Becoming a geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers in California

1

Meet education requirements

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers 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.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographerss. Requirements vary by state, contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 3,350 geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers. The highest concentrations are in Santa Cruz-Watsonville and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara.

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Santa Cruz-Watsonville$136K$65.44/hr50
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$136K$65.44/hr170
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$133K$63.84/hr60
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$122K$58.8/hr430
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$120K$57.67/hr490
Fresno$117K$56.45/hr60
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles$117K$56.45/hr50
Redding$112K$53.76/hr30
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$112K$53.76/hr90
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$105K$50.37/hr310
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$95K$45.51/hr810
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$90K$43.4/hr160

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$46K
25th percentile
$74K
Median (50th)
$107K
75th percentile
$138K
90th percentile (senior)
$171K
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Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers make in California?

The median geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers salary in California is $106,500 per year ($51.2/hr). This is 4% above the national median of $101,920. Salaries range from $45,540 to $171,270.

What are the requirements to become a geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers in California?

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers 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 geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $106,500, a geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers in California would take home approximately $6,439/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,583/month, that's 24.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers in California?

The highest paying metro areas for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers in California are Santa Cruz-Watsonville ($136,120), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($136,120), Santa Rosa-Petaluma ($132,790). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.7%. On a $106,500 salary, this means roughly $6,042/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.