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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Atmospheric Scientist in Virginia is $137,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.
However, an Atmospheric Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Atmospheric Scientist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $149,830 | $12,486 | $2,881 | $72 |
| Average | $137,100 | $11,425 | $2,637 | $66 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,300 | $10,192 | $2,352 | $59 |
Geisinger - DANVILLE, PA
Geisinger - WILKES-BARRE, PA
Geisinger - LEWISTOWN, PA
Intermountain Health - MURRAY, UT
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, 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 | $78,679 |
| Hydrogeologist III | 4-7 years | $113,786 |
| Atmospheric Scientist | 7+ years | $137,097 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Atmospheric Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Atmospheric Scientist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $151,121. While startup companies pay approximate $127,945.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $127,945 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $135,291 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $145,966 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $151,121 |
For Atmospheric Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Atmospheric Scientist positions in Transportation or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Atmospheric Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $164,520 | $79.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $150,810 | $73.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $143,955 | $69.0 | 5% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $149,830 | $12,486 | $2,881 | $72 |
| Average | $137,100 | $11,425 | $2,637 | $66 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,300 | $10,192 | $2,352 | $59 |
Promotions 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist Biologist | $121,800 | -11% |
| Mine Geologist IV | $110,000 | -20% |
| Specialist Geophysicist | $157,400 | 15% |
| Hydrogeologist IV | $143,700 | 5% |
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.
GE Vernova
NISKAYUNA, NY
GE Vernova | NISKAYUNA, NY
Job Description Summary As a Principal Scientist in the AI – Computer Vision - Robotics – Software lab in GE Vernova Advanced Research, you will have the o... more
1 Day Ago
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
LUIS LOPEZ, NM
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
NEWCOMB HALL, VA
National Radio Astronomy Observatory | NEWCOMB HALL, VA
National Radio Astronomy Observatory Title: ngVLA Assistant Scientist Location: NRAO Albuquerque Office, 800 Bradbury Dr SE Ste 235, ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexic... more
2 Days Ago
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
LUIS LOPEZ, NM
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
SOCORRO, NM
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY, VA
National Radio Astronomy Observatory | CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY, VA
National Radio Astronomy Observatory Title: ngVLA Assistant Scientist Location: NRAO Albuquerque Office, 800 Bradbury Dr SE Ste 235, ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexic... more
1 Day Ago
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