Science & Research San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Environmental Scientist Salary in San Diego, California

The median environmental scientist salary in San Diego, CA is $108,673 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$108,673
vs State Avg
+$3,062
vs National
+$32,143
Cost of Living
142%

Environmental Scientist Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median environmental scientist salary of $108,673, which is $3,062 above the California state average of $105,611. Compared to the national median of $76,530, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $108,673 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $76,530. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for environmental scientists in San Diego spans from $68,160 at the 10th percentile to $178,920 at the 90th percentile — a $110,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $170,400. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Environmental Scientist Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $71,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,000
+$21,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,760
+$32,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,400
+$50,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $68,160
25th Percentile $83,780
Median (50th) $108,673
75th Percentile $140,580
90th Percentile $178,920

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$139,285
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$128,570
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$111,734
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$90,305
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in San Diego

Education

Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. San Diego 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in San Diego

Browse open environmental scientist positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in San Diego

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in San Diego, California is $108,673 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $68,160 (10th percentile) to $178,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,673, a environmental scientist in San Diego earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
San Diego's median environmental scientist salary of $108,673 is 2.9% above the California state average of $105,611. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $108,673 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in San Diego? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in San Diego 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.