ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years

Entry Level Climate Scientist Salary in Los Angeles

2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.

$56,938/yr

Typical range: $58,870 $71,080

P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Climate Scientist Salary Progression in Los Angeles

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
EntryThis page0 yrs0 yrs$56,938$4,745
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$71,830$5,986+26%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$82,341$6,862+45%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$93,729$7,811+65%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$118,256$9,855+108%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$137,177$11,431+141%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$141,907$11,826+149%
Current Salary
$56,938
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $27/hr
Next Level Target
$71,830
Junior · 2
+$15Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
64/100
Good
+22% demand · Low AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry level Climate Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA?

Entry Level Climate Scientists in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $57K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a entry level Climate Scientist make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?

Based on $57K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $27/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from entry level to senior Climate Scientist in Los Angeles, CA?

The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Climate Scientist in Los Angeles, CA earns $108K–$130K/yr.