Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
The median pay for a atmospheric and space scientists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $141,370/year ($67.96/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $96K at the entry level to $225K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 115.61), so that salary is closer to $122,282 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,604/month — about 43.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $141K get you in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
About atmospheric and space scientists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Entry-level atmospheric and space scientists (10th percentile) start around $96K. Mid-career wages sit at $141K.Top earners bring in $225K or more - a $129K 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 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do atmospheric and space scientists make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median is $141,370 a year - that works out to about $67.96 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $96,010, and experienced atmospheric and space scientists can clear $225,000. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $141K enough to live in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $8,175/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,604/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 44.1% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a atmospheric and space scientists salary go in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont has a Regional Price Parity of 115.61 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median atmospheric and space scientists salary is worth about $122,282 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.