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Environmental Scientist Salary in Petaluma, CA

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

Median Salary
$138,683
per year in Petaluma
Entry Level
$85,344
Starting salary
Senior Level
$195,579
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
140
40% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$85,344$138,683$195,579
Monthly$7,112$11,557$16,298
Biweekly$3,282$5,334$7,522
Weekly$1,641$2,667$3,761
Hourly$41$67$94

Petaluma vs National Average

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

Petaluma Salary
$138,683
COL Index: 140
National Average
$77,390
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$61,293
Higher in Petaluma

Cost of Living in Petaluma

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,900
per month
Median Income
$78,234
per year
Population
61,210
residents
Rent % of Income
29.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 140 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Petaluma 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
-40%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,540
-27%
Chicago, IL
$96,410
-30%
Houston, TX
$79,520
-43%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,870
-43%

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Environmental Scientist Salary in Petaluma, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a environmental scientist in Petaluma, CA is $138,683 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 140. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Petaluma's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level environmental scientist professionals in Petaluma can expect to earn around $85,344 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level environmental scientists earning approximately $195,579 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Petaluma's cost of living index of 140 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Petaluma 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 Petaluma typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,900 per month, housing represents about 16.4% 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 Petaluma, 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.