ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Climate Scientist Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$118,256/yr
Typical range: $107,952 – $130,343
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Climate Scientist salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Climate Scientist Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $56,938 | $4,745 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $71,830 | $5,986 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $82,341 | $6,862 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $93,729 | $7,811 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $118,256 | $9,855 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $137,177 | $11,431 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $141,907 | $11,826 | +149% |
Current Salary
$118,256
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $57/hr
Next Level Target
$137,177
Principal · 14
+$19Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
64/100
Good
+22% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Climate Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Climate Scientists in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $118K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Climate Scientist make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $118K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $57/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Climate Scientist in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Climate Scientist in Los Angeles, CA earns $108K–$130K/yr.