Climate Scientist vs Statistician: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Climate Scientist
Study climate systems, model climate change, and analyse environmental data.
Statistician
Apply statistical methods to collect, analyse, and interpret complex data.
Statistician earns more on average — the national median is $24,525/year (30%) higher than a Climate Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Climate Scientist vs Statistician — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Climate Scientist | Statistician | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $120,559 | $152,338 | Climate $31,779 |
| New York, NY | $97,952 | $128,568 | Climate $30,616 |
| Seattle, WA | $116,831 | $105,650 | Climate +$11,181 |
| Austin, TX | $88,601 | $118,719 | Climate $30,118 |
| Chicago, IL | $89,017 | $110,383 | Climate $21,366 |
| Boston, MA | $107,837 | $138,973 | Climate $31,136 |
| London, UK | £62,827 | £81,101 | Climate $18,274 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$106,409 | CA$139,336 | Climate $32,927 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Climate Scientist or Statistician earn more?+
A Statistician earns more on average. The national median salary for a Climate Scientist is $81,125/year, compared to $105,650/year for a Statistician — a difference of $24,525 (30%).
Which has better career growth — Climate Scientist or Statistician?+
Climate Scientist roles are growing at 22% YoY while Statistician demand is growing at 30% YoY. Statistician has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Climate Scientist to Statistician?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python.
Which is harder to automate — Climate Scientist or Statistician?+
Climate Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.