SOC 19-2021 · May 2025 · United States
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Atmospheric and Space Scientists across the United States is $99,070 per year, measured over 10,000 jobs. The highest state median is in Maryland, at $128,800.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
The next ten years
Projected to grow more slowly than average
- Change in jobs, 2024 to 2034
- +0.7%
- Openings per year
- 700
- Typical entry-level education
- Bachelor's degree
Includes jobs opened by workers leaving the occupation, not only new positions.
Projections are based on 2024 employment and run to 2034. The wages above are from the May 2025 survey, a separate BLS programme on a different release cycle, so the two are not two views of one dataset.
Where the pay is highest for Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Pay for this occupation varies by 200.8% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. Maryland pays $128,800 and New Hampshire pays $42,820.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $128,800 | 750 | |
| 2 | California | $124,920 | 510 | |
| 3 | Hawaii | $121,010 | 70 | |
| 4 | New Jersey | $120,180 | 60 | |
| 5 | Idaho | $119,430 | 50 | |
| 6 | New York | $117,540 | 370 | |
| 7 | Florida | $115,960 | 270 | |
| 8 | Arizona | $115,020 | 80 | |
| 9 | Missouri | $114,230 | 160 | |
| 10 | Illinois | $112,280 | 110 |
States with the most Atmospheric and Space Scientists jobs
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | $151,000 | 30 |
| 2 | Albany | $134,060 | 70 |
| 3 | Chicago | $133,490 | 50 |
| 4 | Baltimore | $128,800 | 270 |
| 5 | New York | $128,790 | 260 |
| 6 | Detroit | $127,070 | 40 |
| 7 | Minneapolis | $125,590 | 30 |
| 8 | Boise City | $122,930 | 30 |
| 9 | Urban Honolulu | $122,880 | 70 |
| 10 | Miami | $122,700 | 110 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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