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Environmental Scientist Salary in Oakland, CA

How much does a environmental scientist make in Oakland? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Oakland's cost of living.

Median Salary
$152,551
per year in Oakland
Entry Level
$93,878
Starting salary
Senior Level
$215,137
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
154
54% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how environmental scientist salaries break down across different pay periods in Oakland.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$93,878$152,551$215,137
Monthly$7,823$12,713$17,928
Biweekly$3,611$5,867$8,275
Weekly$1,805$2,934$4,137
Hourly$45$73$103

Oakland vs National Average

How Oakland's environmental scientist salaries compare to national figures.

Oakland Salary
$152,551
COL Index: 154
National Average
$77,390
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$75,161
Higher in Oakland

Cost of Living in Oakland

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,150
per month
Median Income
$67,234
per year
Population
433,656
residents
Rent % of Income
38.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 154 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Oakland have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Environmental Scientist

Overview

Monitor and protect the environment and assess environmental impacts.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field

Key Skills

Environmental AnalysisField WorkData CollectionRegulatory Knowledge

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Environmental Scientist Salary

See Environmental Scientist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$83,510
-45%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,540
-33%
Chicago, IL
$96,410
-37%
Houston, TX
$79,520
-48%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,870
-48%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Environmental Scientist Salary in Oakland, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a environmental scientist in Oakland, CA is $152,551 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 154. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Oakland's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level environmental scientist professionals in Oakland can expect to earn around $93,878 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level environmental scientists earning approximately $215,137 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Oakland's cost of living index of 154 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Oakland are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $77,390, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a environmental scientist's salary in Oakland typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,150 per month, housing represents about 16.9% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Environmental Scientists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Oakland, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.