As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Atmospheric Scientist in Taft, CA is $141,980 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.
However, an Atmospheric Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Atmospheric Scientist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Atmospheric Scientist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Scientist | 0-0 years | $81,111 |
| Hydrogeologist | 4-7 years | $117,826 |
| Atmospheric Scientist | 7+ years | $141,973 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 9.43% |
| Assembler | 2.14% |
| Programming | 1.8% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$154,758 |
9%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$151,919 |
7%
|
|
Python
|
$151,919 |
7%
|
|
Technical Skills
|
$150,499 |
6%
|
|
Coordination
|
$149,079 |
5%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$147,659 |
4%
|
Understanding how an Atmospheric Scientist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Atmospheric Scientist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Expert Biologist | $143,000 | 1% |
| Expert Geologist | $137,000 | -4% |
| Chief Geophysicist | $200,500 | 41% |
| Microbiologist, Lead/Master | $139,800 | -2% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Atmospheric Scientist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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