ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Climate Scientist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$128,998/yr
Typical range: $148,573 – $179,389
P75 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| SeniorThis page | 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
$128,998
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $62/hr
Next Level Target
$162,755
Staff · 10
+$34Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
64/100
Good
+22% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Climate Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Senior Climate Scientists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $129K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Climate Scientist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $129K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $62/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Climate Scientist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Climate Scientist in San Francisco, CA earns $149K–$179K/yr.