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.

$69,076/yr

Typical range: $71,420 $86,233

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$69,076$5,756
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$87,142$7,262+26%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$99,895$8,325+45%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$113,710$9,476+65%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$143,466$11,956+108%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$166,420$13,868+141%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$172,159$14,347+149%
Current Salary
$69,076
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $33/hr
Next Level Target
$87,142
Junior · 2
+$18Kpotential 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 $69K 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 $69K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $33/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 $131K–$158K/yr.