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Environmental Scientist Salary in Los Angeles, CA

Environmental Scientist salary data for Los Angeles, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Los Angeles, CA — 2026

The median Environmental Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $129,480 per year ($10,790/month, $62/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 166, which is 66% above the national average.

Entry Level
$85K
$41/hr
Median
$129K
$62/hr
Senior
$158K
$76/hr
Top Earner
$206K
$99/hr

Environmental Scientist Take-Home Pay in Los Angeles

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$129,480
Federal Tax-$20,322
State Tax (9.3%)-$12,042
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$9,905
Annual Take-Home$87,211
Monthly Take-Home$7,268

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$2,650/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio24.6%
Median Home Price$830,000
Cost of Living Index166
City Median Salary$75,200
Environmental Scientist vs City Median+$54,280

Environmental Scientist Requirements

Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-3 years
Job Growth
6.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisReport WritingEPA Regulations

Los Angeles Job Market Overview

Los Angeles, California has a population of 3,898,747 and an unemployment rate of 4.8%. The top industries are Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.8%, and the average commute time is 31 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Environmental Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
The median Environmental Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $129,480 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 166. Entry-level Environmental Scientists earn around $84,660, while senior-level professionals can earn $157,700 or more.
How much does a Environmental Scientist take home in Los Angeles after taxes?
A Environmental Scientist earning the median salary of $129,480 in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $87,211 per year ($7,268/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 32.6%.
Is Los Angeles a good city for Environmental Scientists?
Los Angeles, CA has a cost of living index of 166 (above national average). Environmental Scientists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.8% and top industries include Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Environmental Scientist in Los Angeles?
Key skills for Environmental Scientists include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Report Writing, EPA Regulations. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include LEED, QEP, Hazmat Certification.
How does Environmental Scientist salary in Los Angeles compare to the national average?
The national median Environmental Scientist salary is $78,000. In Los Angeles, the adjusted salary is $129,480, which is 66.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Environmental Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA?

The median Environmental Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $129,480 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 166. Entry-level Environmental Scientists earn around $84,660, while senior-level professionals can earn $157,700 or more.

How much does a Environmental Scientist take home in Los Angeles after taxes?

A Environmental Scientist earning the median salary of $129,480 in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $87,211 per year ($7,268/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 32.6%.

Is Los Angeles a good city for Environmental Scientists?

Los Angeles, CA has a cost of living index of 166 (above national average). Environmental Scientists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.8% and top industries include Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare.

What skills are needed for a Environmental Scientist in Los Angeles?

Key skills for Environmental Scientists include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Report Writing, EPA Regulations. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include LEED, QEP, Hazmat Certification.

How does Environmental Scientist salary in Los Angeles compare to the national average?

The national median Environmental Scientist salary is $78,000. In Los Angeles, the adjusted salary is $129,480, which is 66.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.