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Conservation Scientists Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Conservation Scientists make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$79,810
Median Annual Salary
▼ -2.2% vs 2024
$88,030
Mean Salary
$79,810
Median Salary
$38.37
Hourly Rate
2,110 people work as Conservation Scientists in California

Conservation Scientists salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Conservation Scientists salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Conservation Scientists in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $53,650$53,65025th25% earn less than $64,310$64,310MedianHalf earn more than $79,810$79,81075th75% earn less than $104,990$104,99090thTop 10% earn more than $132,060$132,060

Conservation Scientists in California earn a median salary of $79,810 per year ($6,650/month). This is 10.1% above the national average of $72,498. California ranks #8 out of 51 states for Conservation Scientists pay. Approximately 2,110 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries decreased by 2.2% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Conservation Scientists

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

Top Skills

Speaking
4.12
Active Listening
4.0
Reading Comprehension
3.88
Writing
3.75
Critical Thinking
3.75

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.5
English Language
4.26
Education and Training
4.02
Biology
3.98
Mathematics
3.74
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (80.3% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Conservation Scientists in California

Salaries for Conservation Scientists in California range from $53,650 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $132,060 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $64,310 and $104,990.

Median $79,810
P10: $53,650 P25: $64,310 P75: $104,990 P90: $132,060
10th
$53,650
25th
$64,310
Median
$79,810
75th
$104,990
90th
$132,060
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $53,650 $25.79 $4,470
25th Percentile $64,310 $30.92 $5,359
Median (50th) $79,810 $38.37 $6,650
75th Percentile $104,990 $50.48 $8,749
90th Percentile (Experienced) $132,060 $63.49 $11,005

Note: The mean (average) salary of $88,030 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#8
California ranks #8 of 51 states
$72,498
National avg. for Conservation Scientists
+10.1%
vs. national average
Above Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in California:

What does this salary really buy? See Conservation Scientists salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Conservation Scientists take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Conservation Scientists Data in California

Conservation Scientists Salary by State

Compare Conservation Scientists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Conservation Scientists make in California?
The median annual salary for Conservation Scientists in California is $79,810 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $88,030.
What is the salary range for a Conservation Scientists in California?
Salaries for Conservation Scientists in California range from $53,650 at the 10th percentile to $132,060 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $64,310 and $104,990.
What is the starting salary for a Conservation Scientists in California?
Entry-level Conservation Scientists positions in California typically start around $53,650 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $64,310 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Conservation Scientists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,110 people are employed as Conservation Scientists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Conservation Scientists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Conservation Scientists in California is approximately $38.37 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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