ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Climate Scientist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$78,363/yr
Typical range: $81,022 – $97,827
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Climate Scientist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Climate Scientist Salary Progression in San Francisco
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $78,363 | $6,530 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $98,858 | $8,238 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $113,325 | $9,444 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $128,998 | $10,750 | +65% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $162,755 | $13,563 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $188,795 | $15,733 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $195,306 | $16,276 | +149% |
Current Salary
$78,363
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $38/hr
Next Level Target
$98,858
Junior · 2
+$20Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
64/100
Good
+22% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Climate Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Climate Scientists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $78K 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 San Francisco, CA?
Based on $78K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $38/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Climate Scientist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Climate Scientist in San Francisco, CA earns $149K–$179K/yr.