Environmental Scientists and Specialists in California
Get the information you need to know about working as an Environmental Scientist or Specialist.
You’re in luck! Jobs for Environmental Scientists and Specialists in California are projected to grow and these jobs tend to pay higher than average.
-
Projected employment for Environmental Scientists and Specialists in California is growing faster than average.
-
Environmental Scientists and Specialists in California earn higher salaries than the typical U.S. wage earner.
What Major Will Prepare You For an Environmental Scientist or Specialist Career?
- Natural Resources & Conservation
- Natural Resources Conservation
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies
- Marine Science
- Marine Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Health Professions
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
How Many Environmental Scientists and Specialists Work in California?
There were approximately 12,750 workers employed as Environmental Scientists and Specialists in this state in 2018.
There were 12,820 Environmental Scientists and Specialists employed in this state in 2017.
That’s a decline of 70 jobs between 2017 and 2018.
The typical state has 850 Environmental Scientists and Specialists working in it, which means California has more Environmental Scientists and Specialists than average.
Job Projections for California
Jobs for Environmental Scientists and Specialists in this state are growing at a rate of 11.8% which is faster than the nationwide estimated projection of 11.1%.
California Annual Job Openings
The BLS is projecting 1,630 annual Environmental Scientists and Specialists job openings in California, and 17,000 total jobs in the year 2026.
Nationwide, the prediction is 9,500 annual jobs and 99,400 total jobs in 2026.
What do Environmental Scientists and Specialists Make in California?
In 2018 wages for Environmental Scientists and Specialists ranged from $51,700 to $138,120 with $87,080 being the median annual salary.
Broken down to an hourly rate, workers in this field made anywhere from $24.86 to $66.4. The median hourly rate was $41.87.
Workers in this field were paid a median of $39.27 an hour in 2017.
The hourly rate grew by $2.60.
The median salary in California is higher than the nationwide median salary.
Explore Best Ranked Schools for You
Top California Metros for Environmental Scientists and Specialists
The table below shows some of the metros in this state with the most Environmental Scientists and Specialists.
| Metro | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 3,060 | $89,260 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA | 2,640 | $87,520 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 2,600 | $101,900 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | 1,130 | $78,440 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 700 | $85,460 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 290 | $100,390 |
| Fresno, CA | 280 | $81,310 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 230 | $90,130 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | 220 | $93,620 |
| Bakersfield, CA | 190 | $79,150 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 160 | $88,120 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 140 | $75,700 |
| Redding, CA | 80 | $81,320 |
| Napa, CA | 70 | $81,330 |
| Salinas, CA | 70 | $91,440 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | 70 | $69,660 |
| Chico, CA | 60 | $72,360 |
| Madera, CA | 50 | n/a |
| Modesto, CA | 50 | $75,120 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | 40 | $76,360 |
Top States for Environmental Scientists and Specialists Employment
View the list below to see where most Environmental Scientists and Specialists work.
| State | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| California | 12,750 | $87,080 |
| Florida | 4,920 | $49,500 |
| New York | 4,400 | $73,600 |
| Texas | 4,170 | $74,800 |
| North Carolina | 3,790 | $58,600 |
| Virginia | 3,150 | $75,060 |
| Colorado | 2,930 | $86,190 |
| Washington | 2,880 | $78,230 |
| Michigan | 2,780 | $63,970 |
| New Jersey | 2,670 | $77,190 |
| Maryland | 2,560 | $71,820 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,050 | $66,110 |
| Ohio | 2,000 | $74,890 |
| Massachusetts | 1,950 | $77,280 |
| Minnesota | 1,780 | $68,060 |
| Illinois | 1,690 | $74,850 |
| District of Columbia | 1,600 | $118,400 |
| Arizona | 1,420 | $63,810 |
| Tennessee | 1,410 | $65,300 |
| Georgia | 1,300 | $66,420 |
Below are the states where Environmental Scientists and Specialists get paid the most:
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $118,400 |
| California | $87,080 |
| Colorado | $86,190 |
| Rhode Island | $80,700 |
| Washington | $78,230 |
| Oregon | $77,330 |
| Massachusetts | $77,280 |
| New Jersey | $77,190 |
| Alaska | $75,550 |
| Connecticut | $75,430 |
References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- College Factual
- National Center for Education Statistics
- O*NET Online
- Image Credit: By Lynn Betts under License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
HealthcareDegreeSearch.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© HealthcareDegreeSearch.com – All Rights Reserved.