Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary in U.S.
The median pay for a atmospheric and space scientists in U.S. is $97,450/year ($46.85/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $50K at the entry level to $161K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $97K get you in U.S.?
About atmospheric and space scientists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level atmospheric and space scientists (10th percentile) start around $50K. Mid-career wages sit at $97K.Top earners bring in $161K or more - a $111K spread from bottom to top.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $122K | +25% | 60 |
| California | $118K | +21% | 580 |
| Idaho | $117K | +20% | 50 |
| Missouri | $116K | +20% | 140 |
| Oregon | $116K | +19% | 100 |
| New Mexico | $114K | +17% | 60 |
| Virginia | $112K | +15% | 150 |
| Nebraska | $110K | +13% | 80 |
| Tennessee | $110K | +13% | 120 |
| Montana | $107K | +10% | 60 |
| Maryland | $105K | +7% | 710 |
| Louisiana | $104K | +7% | 80 |
| New Jersey | $104K | +7% | 70 |
| North Carolina | $104K | +7% | 140 |
| Nevada | $104K | +6% | 120 |
Track atmospheric and space scientists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do atmospheric and space scientists make in U.S.?
The median is $97,450 a year - that works out to about $46.85 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $49,990, and experienced atmospheric and space scientists can clear $160,710. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $97K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,412/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 22% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a atmospheric and space scientists salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median atmospheric and space scientists salary is worth about $97,450 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do atmospheric and space scientists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.