Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary in Salinas, CA
In Salinas, CA, environmental scientists and specialists, including healths earn $95,100 at the median — $45.72 an hour. The range runs from $67K at the entry level to $154K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 109.04), so that salary is closer to $87,216 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,684/month — about 44.9% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $95K get you in Salinas?
About environmental scientists and specialists, including healths
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Salinas, CA
Entry-level environmental scientists and specialists, including healths (10th percentile) start around $67K. Mid-career wages sit at $95K.Top earners bring in $154K or more - a $87K spread from bottom to top.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $122K | +53% | 1,480 |
| California | $98K | +22% | 13,200 |
| Massachusetts | $96K | +20% | 2,890 |
| Oregon | $94K | +17% | 1,400 |
| Rhode Island | $90K | +13% | 370 |
| Illinois | $89K | +11% | 1,330 |
| Washington | $89K | +11% | 4,280 |
| Minnesota | $87K | +9% | 1,980 |
| Alaska | $87K | +9% | 660 |
| Maryland | $82K | +3% | 1,800 |
| Georgia | $82K | +2% | 1,530 |
| Utah | $81K | +2% | 860 |
| Connecticut | $81K | +2% | 680 |
| North Dakota | $81K | +1% | 230 |
| Ohio | $81K | +1% | 2,570 |
Track environmental scientists and specialists, including health salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Salinas numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do environmental scientists and specialists, including healths make in Salinas, CA?
The median is $95,100 a year - that works out to about $45.72 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $66,660, and experienced environmental scientists and specialists, including healths can clear $154,110. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $95K enough to live in Salinas?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,859/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,684/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 45.8% 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 environmental scientists and specialists, including health salary go in Salinas?
Salinas has a Regional Price Parity of 109.04 (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 environmental scientists and specialists, including health salary is worth about $87,216 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do environmental scientists and specialists, including healths 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.