Environmental Scientist salary in San Diego, CA
Based on 11 certified H-1B filings in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro area, FY2025–FY2026.
Also listed as: Environmental Specialist
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $77,000 |
| 25th | $78,516 |
| 50th (median) | $79,040 |
| 75th | $159,350 |
| 90th | $220,000 |
Cost of living
San Diego's median Environmental Scientist salary of $79,040 is worth about $70,600 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; San Diego = 111.9).
Compared with all workers here
All Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in the San Diego, CA area earned a median of $106,100 in May 2025 (1,140 employed). The H-1B median here is $79,040, 26% lower.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metropolitan area estimates. BLS wages include some incentive pay; H-1B figures are base salary.
Top employers filing
| Employer | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P. | too few | 2 |
Employers with at least 2 filings here. Median shown at 10+ filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | – | 0 |
| Mid-level · Level II | – | 0 |
| Senior · Level III | – | 0 |
| Expert · Level IV | too few | 2 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.