How much does a atmospheric and space scientist make?
The median atmospheric and space scientist in the United States earns $99,070 per year, about $47.63 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all atmospheric and space scientists earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 19-2021.
Atmospheric and space scientist salary range
Pay for atmospheric and space scientists spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $53,060 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $161,890. The average (mean) wage of $106,110 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $53,060 | $25.51 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $73,350 | $35.26 | |
| Median (50th) | $99,070 | $47.63 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $129,960 | $62.48 | |
| 90th percentile | $161,890 | $77.83 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for atmospheric and space scientists (SOC 19-2021), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Atmospheric and space scientist salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Atmospheric and space scientists earn the most in Maryland at $128,800 a year, and the least in New Hampshire at $42,820. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $128,800 | 750 |
| California | $124,920 | 510 |
| Hawaii | $121,010 | 70 |
| New Jersey | $120,180 | 60 |
| Idaho | $119,430 | 50 |
| New York | $117,540 | 370 |
| Florida | $115,960 | 270 |
| Arizona | $115,020 | 80 |
| Missouri | $114,230 | 160 |
| Illinois | $112,280 | 110 |
| Oregon | $112,260 | 100 |
| New Mexico | $110,070 | 60 |
| Kansas | $109,300 | 80 |
| Nevada | $109,300 | 120 |
| Montana | $108,890 | 70 |
| Massachusetts | $108,050 | N/A |
| Minnesota | $106,270 | 50 |
| Colorado | $104,670 | 1,150 |
| District of Columbia | $103,860 | 70 |
| Maine | $103,710 | 50 |
| Indiana | $103,680 | 80 |
| Kentucky | $103,240 | 100 |
| Michigan | $103,210 | 150 |
| Wyoming | $99,940 | 40 |
| Louisiana | $97,470 | 70 |
| Georgia | $96,820 | 170 |
| Utah | $96,520 | 170 |
| Tennessee | $96,190 | 230 |
| Washington | $94,400 | 190 |
| Alaska | $94,380 | N/A |
| North Carolina | $91,560 | 170 |
| North Dakota | $91,560 | 40 |
| Wisconsin | $85,870 | 280 |
| Connecticut | $85,110 | 50 |
| Texas | $84,990 | 720 |
| Virginia | $83,880 | 350 |
| South Carolina | $82,240 | 150 |
| Alabama | $81,080 | 340 |
| West Virginia | $80,690 | 40 |
| South Dakota | $78,900 | 130 |
| Ohio | $78,580 | 160 |
| Iowa | $76,850 | 100 |
| Oklahoma | $76,480 | 420 |
| Pennsylvania | $75,890 | 160 |
| Arkansas | $71,940 | N/A |
| Nebraska | $60,540 | 160 |
| New Hampshire | $42,820 | 130 |
State median wages for atmospheric and space scientists (SOC 19-2021), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for atmospheric and space scientists
The BLS projects employment of atmospheric and space scientists to grow 2.6% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 10,700 jobs in 2025 moving toward 10,900 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 800 openings a year for atmospheric and space scientists. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become an atmospheric and space scientist
The typical entry-level education for atmospheric and space scientists is a bachelor's degree, according to the BLS.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much an atmospheric and space scientist earns
Degree level, employer type, and field of research drive the numbers. Roles in private industry and government labs often pay above academic and entry-level positions.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Maryland, $128,800) and the lowest (New Hampshire, $42,820) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 10,000 people work as atmospheric and space scientists in the United States. At $99,070 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Atmospheric and space scientist salary FAQ
How much does an atmospheric and space scientist make an hour?
The median hourly wage for an atmospheric and space scientist is $47.63. The middle half of atmospheric and space scientists earn between $35.26 and $62.48 per hour.
What is the highest atmospheric and space scientist salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of atmospheric and space scientists earn more than $161,890 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does an atmospheric and space scientist make a year?
The median annual salary for an atmospheric and space scientist is $99,070. The average (mean) wage of $106,110 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being an atmospheric and space scientist a well paid job?
At $99,070 a year, an atmospheric and space scientist earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 10,000 people work as atmospheric and space scientists in the United States.
Which state pays atmospheric and space scientists the most?
Maryland has the highest median salary for atmospheric and space scientists at $128,800 a year. California ($124,920) and Hawaii ($121,010) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being an atmospheric and space scientist a good career?
Employment of atmospheric and space scientists is projected to grow 2.6% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 800 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become an atmospheric and space scientist?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for atmospheric and space scientists as a bachelor's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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