ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Climate Scientist Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$132,235/yr
Typical range: $120,713 – $145,751
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Climate Scientist salary by experience level in New York
Climate Scientist Salary Progression in New York
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 | $63,669 | $5,306 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $80,321 | $6,693 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $92,075 | $7,673 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $104,809 | $8,734 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $132,235 | $11,020 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $153,393 | $12,783 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $158,682 | $13,224 | +149% |
Current Salary
$132,235
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $64/hr
Next Level Target
$153,393
Principal · 14
+$21Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
64/100
Good
+22% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Climate Scientist salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Climate Scientists in New York, NY earn approximately $132K 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 New York, NY?
Based on $132K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $64/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Climate Scientist in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Climate Scientist in New York, NY earns $121K–$146K/yr.