Atmospheric and Space Scientist Salary in 2026
How Much Do Atmospheric and Space Scientists Make?
Atmospheric and Space Scientists earn a median annual salary of $97,450 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $49,990 at the 10th percentile to $160,710 at the 90th percentile — a range of $110,720. The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $122,180.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,990 |
| 25th percentile | $69,440 |
| Median (50th) | $97,450 |
| 75th percentile | $128,940 |
| 90th percentile | $160,710 |
Atmospheric and Space Scientist Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaiitop | $122,180 |
| California | $117,770 |
| Idaho | $117,190 |
| Missouri | $116,480 |
| Oregon | $115,890 |
| New Mexico | $114,230 |
| Virginia | $111,920 |
| Nebraska | $110,140 |
| Tennessee | $109,800 |
| Montana | $107,240 |
| Colorado | $106,310 |
| Maryland | $104,560 |
| Louisiana | $104,330 |
| New Jersey | $104,020 |
| North Carolina | $103,920 |
| Nevada | $103,540 |
| Wisconsin | $102,130 |
| Indiana | $101,650 |
| Alaska | $101,500 |
| Maine | $101,500 |
| District of Columbia | $98,390 |
| Michigan | $95,890 |
| Florida | $95,640 |
| South Carolina | $95,640 |
| North Dakota | $92,750 |
| Georgia | $90,670 |
| Washington | $88,800 |
| Texas | $88,570 |
| Pennsylvania | $85,700 |
| Alabama | $84,720 |
| South Dakota | $83,710 |
| Arkansas | $81,900 |
| Oklahoma | $79,200 |
| Arizona | $77,000 |
| Ohio | $76,290 |
| Kansas | $75,510 |
| Wyoming | $74,120 |
| Mississippi | $74,060 |
| Iowa | $72,530 |
| West Virginia | $70,000 |
| New York | $69,870 |
| Kentucky | $67,360 |
| New Hampshire | $64,090 |
| Utah | $59,640 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Atmospheric and Space Scientist Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$49,990 – $69,440 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$97,450 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$128,940 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $160,710+ |
How to Earn More as an Atmospheric and Space Scientist
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earn $128,940 — $31,490 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($128,940) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Atmospheric and Space Scientist Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Atmospheric and Space Scientistthis career | $97,450 |
| Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technician | $108,970 |
| Statistician | $103,300 |
| Geodetic Surveyor | $72,740 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technician | $51,940 |
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PathScorer compares your skills to Atmospheric and Space Scientist requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
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SOC: 19-2021.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.