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Environmental Scientist Salary in Orinda, CA

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

Median Salary
$156,514
per year in Orinda
Entry Level
$96,317
Starting salary
Senior Level
$220,725
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
158
58% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$96,317$156,514$220,725
Monthly$8,026$13,043$18,394
Biweekly$3,705$6,020$8,489
Weekly$1,852$3,010$4,245
Hourly$46$75$106

Orinda vs National Average

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

Orinda Salary
$156,514
COL Index: 158
National Average
$77,390
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$79,124
Higher in Orinda

Cost of Living in Orinda

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,400
per month
Median Income
$192,821
per year
Population
19,860
residents
Rent % of Income
14.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 158 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Orinda 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
-47%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,540
-35%
Chicago, IL
$96,410
-38%
Houston, TX
$79,520
-49%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,870
-50%

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Environmental Scientist Salary in Orinda, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a environmental scientist in Orinda, CA is $156,514 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 158. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Orinda's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level environmental scientist professionals in Orinda can expect to earn around $96,317 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level environmental scientists earning approximately $220,725 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Orinda's cost of living index of 158 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Orinda 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 Orinda typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,400 per month, housing represents about 18.4% 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 Orinda, 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.