Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The median pay for a geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $129,880/year ($62.44/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $96K at the entry level to $172K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 109.9), so that salary is closer to $118,180 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $4,214/month — about 55% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $130K get you in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
About geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Entry-level geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers (10th percentile) start around $96K. Mid-career wages sit at $130K.Top earners bring in $172K or more - a $76K spread from bottom to top.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $155K | +57% | 3,620 |
| Rhode Island | $129K | +30% | N/A |
| Oklahoma | $128K | +29% | 910 |
| Mississippi | $114K | +15% | 260 |
| California | $111K | +12% | 3,150 |
| Alaska | $106K | +7% | 370 |
| Utah | $104K | +5% | 340 |
| Vermont | $102K | +3% | 30 |
| Hawaii | $101K | +1% | 130 |
| Washington | $100K | +1% | 840 |
| Maryland | $99K | -0% | 370 |
| Massachusetts | $99K | -1% | 210 |
| West Virginia | $96K | -4% | 130 |
| Missouri | $95K | -4% | 180 |
| Oregon | $95K | -4% | 450 |
Track geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Santa Cruz-Watsonville numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median is $129,880 a year - that works out to about $62.44 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $96,320, and experienced geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers can clear $172,370. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $130K enough to live in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,609/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $4,214/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 55.4% 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 geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers salary go in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville has a Regional Price Parity of 109.9 (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 geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers salary is worth about $118,180 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers 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.