Science & Research Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Environmental Scientist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median environmental scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $111,734 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$111,734
vs State Avg
+$6,123
vs National
+$35,204
Cost of Living
146%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median environmental scientist salary of $111,734, which is $6,123 above the California state average of $105,611. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $111,734 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $76,530. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Los Angeles spans from $70,080 at the 10th percentile to $183,960 at the 90th percentile — a $113,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $175,200. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $73,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $175,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,000
+$23,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,880
+$35,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$175,200
+$55,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $70,080
25th Percentile $86,140
Median (50th) $111,734
75th Percentile $144,540
90th Percentile $183,960

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$139,285
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$128,570
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$108,673
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$90,305
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Los Angeles

Education

Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Los Angeles, California is $111,734 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $70,080 (10th percentile) to $183,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $111,734, a environmental scientist in Los Angeles earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median environmental scientist salary of $111,734 is 5.8% above the California state average of $105,611. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $111,734 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.