Science & Research San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Environmental Scientist Salary in San Francisco, California

The median environmental scientist salary in San Francisco, CA is $139,285 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$139,285
vs State Avg
+$33,674
vs National
+$62,755
Cost of Living
182%

Environmental Scientist Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $91,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $218,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$91,000
+$41,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$141,960
+$63,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$218,400
+$98,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $87,360
25th Percentile $107,380
Median (50th) $139,285
75th Percentile $180,180
90th Percentile $229,320

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$128,570
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$111,734
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$108,673
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$90,305
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in San Francisco

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open environmental scientist positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in San Francisco, California is $139,285 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $87,360 (10th percentile) to $229,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $139,285, a environmental scientist in San Francisco earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
San Francisco's median environmental scientist salary of $139,285 is 31.9% above the California state average of $105,611. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $139,285 in San Francisco 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 Francisco? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in San Francisco 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.