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.
$180,641/yr
Typical range: $164,901 – $199,104
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 | $86,975 | $7,248 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $109,723 | $9,144 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $125,780 | $10,482 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $143,175 | $11,931 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $180,641 | $15,053 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $209,543 | $17,462 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $216,769 | $18,064 | +149% |
Current Salary
$180,641
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $87/hr
Next Level Target
$209,543
Principal · 14
+$29Kpotential 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 $181K 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 $181K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $87/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 $165K–$199K/yr.