Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary by State
The national median pay for atmospheric and space scientists is $99,070 a year. By state, it ranges from $42,820 in New Hampshire to $128,800 in Maryland.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $53,060
- 25th percentile
- $73,350
- Median
- $99,070
- 75th percentile
- $129,960
- Top 10%
- $161,890
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 10,000 jobs.
Median pay in 46 states and DC
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $128,800 | +30% | $83,230 | $168,460 | 750 |
| 2 | California | $124,920 | +26% | $82,900 | $175,900 | 510 |
| 3 | Hawaii | $121,010 | +22% | $82,930 | $160,330 | 70 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $120,180 | +21% | $64,210 | $190,780 | 60 |
| 5 | Idaho | $119,430 | +21% | $61,110 | $153,570 | 50 |
| 6 | New York | $117,540 | +19% | $58,670 | $300,530 | 370 |
| 7 | Florida | $115,960 | +17% | $52,980 | $172,410 | 270 |
| 8 | Arizona | $115,020 | +16% | $63,920 | $156,500 | 80 |
| 9 | Missouri | $114,230 | +15% | $60,740 | $147,640 | 160 |
| 10 | Illinois | $112,280 | +13% | $51,710 | $211,910 | 110 |
| 11 | Oregon | $112,260 | +13% | $65,830 | $149,060 | 100 |
| 12 | New Mexico | $110,070 | +11% | $61,760 | $161,890 | 60 |
| 13 | Kansas | $109,300 | +10% | $49,940 | $139,210 | 80 |
| 14 | Nevada | $109,300 | +10% | $64,990 | $191,150 | 120 |
| 15 | Montana | $108,890 | +10% | $61,110 | $136,990 | 70 |
| 16 | Massachusetts | $108,050 | +9% | $71,290 | $166,140 | Not published |
| 17 | Minnesota | $106,270 | +7% | $61,620 | $149,340 | 50 |
| 18 | Colorado | $104,670 | +6% | $76,110 | $165,500 | 1,150 |
| 19 | District of Columbia | $103,860 | +5% | $95,870 | $207,380 | 70 |
| 20 | Maine | $103,710 | +5% | $51,170 | $153,910 | 50 |
| 21 | Indiana | $103,680 | +5% | $67,430 | $155,000 | 80 |
| 22 | Kentucky | $103,240 | +4% | $54,540 | $166,960 | 100 |
| 23 | Michigan | $103,210 | +4% | $49,580 | $151,110 | 150 |
| 24 | Wyoming | $99,940 | +1% | $63,500 | $132,180 | 40 |
| 25 | Louisiana | $97,470 | −2% | $49,940 | $136,990 | 70 |
| 26 | Georgia | $96,820 | −2% | $47,260 | $150,300 | 170 |
| 27 | Utah | $96,520 | −3% | $53,060 | $126,440 | 170 |
| 28 | Tennessee | $96,190 | −3% | $77,580 | $137,880 | 230 |
| 29 | Washington | $94,400 | −5% | $76,440 | $160,750 | 190 |
| 30 | Alaska | $94,380 | −5% | $61,150 | $135,030 | Not published |
| 31 | North Carolina | $91,560 | −8% | $49,940 | $136,990 | 170 |
| 32 | North Dakota | $91,560 | −8% | $48,570 | $136,990 | 40 |
| 33 | Wisconsin | $85,870 | −13% | $61,110 | $135,670 | 280 |
| 34 | Connecticut | $85,110 | −14% | $69,370 | $234,100 | 50 |
| 35 | Texas | $84,990 | −14% | $46,370 | $131,750 | 720 |
| 36 | Virginia | $83,880 | −15% | $68,770 | $179,050 | 350 |
| 37 | South Carolina | $82,240 | −17% | $60,200 | $136,990 | 150 |
| 38 | Alabama | $81,080 | −18% | $47,330 | $151,300 | 340 |
| 39 | West Virginia | $80,690 | −19% | $41,650 | $136,990 | 40 |
| 40 | South Dakota | $78,900 | −20% | $63,350 | $129,960 | 130 |
| 41 | Ohio | $78,580 | −21% | $62,990 | $142,690 | 160 |
| 42 | Iowa | $76,850 | −22% | $50,300 | $139,170 | 100 |
| 43 | Oklahoma | $76,480 | −23% | $44,660 | $136,990 | 420 |
| 44 | Pennsylvania | $75,890 | −23% | $49,750 | $156,750 | 160 |
| 45 | Arkansas | $71,940 | −27% | $65,610 | $216,310 | Not published |
| 46 | Nebraska | $60,540 | −39% | $57,140 | $136,970 | 160 |
| 47 | New Hampshire | $42,820 | −57% | $40,350 | $65,100 | 130 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary questions
Which state pays atmospheric and space scientists the most?
Maryland, with a median of $128,800 a year (+30% vs. the national median of $99,070). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays atmospheric and space scientists the least?
New Hampshire, with a median of $42,820 a year (−57% vs. national).
Where do most atmospheric and space scientists work?
Colorado has the most jobs, about 1,150, with a median of $104,670.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.