Water Resource Specialists Salary in California
Water Resource Specialists in California earn a median of $210,230 a year, +26% compared with the U.S. median. Figures are for the broader BLS group “Natural Sciences Managers”.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $210,230
- vs. U.S. median
- +26% ($167,220)
- Rank among states
- 3 of 48
- Jobs in the state
- 14,950
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $130,730; the top 10% earn over $330,050. Nationally the range is $79,710 to $316,850.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Environmental Engineers$130,410 median in California
- Water/Wastewater Engineers$122,500 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Environmental Restoration Planners$106,510 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Petroleum Engineers$143,590 median in California
- Transportation Engineers$122,500 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Industrial Ecologists$106,510 median in California (broader BLS group)
Water Resource Specialists pay in California
How much do water resource specialists make in California?
The median is $210,230 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $130,730 and the top 10% earn over $330,050. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for water resource specialists?
On pay alone it ranks 3 of 48 (+26% vs. the national median of $167,220). Living costs are not included.