Conservation Scientists Salary in San Luis Obispo, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA

Median annual salary $77,280 +13.7% vs national
Median hourly $37.15
10th percentile $58,310
90th percentile $97,680
Employed locally 30
National median $67,950

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Conservation Scientists
in
San Luis Obispo, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $58,310
    25th
    $61,570
    50th (median)
    $77,280
    75th
    $86,200
    90th
    $97,680

    San Luis Obispo economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,398 2023 • Census ACS
    Conservation Scientists salary vs area income 83% Median Conservation Scientists salary is 17% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Conservation Scientists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Springfield, IL $107,990
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $105,680
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $98,930
    Salem, OR $98,050
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $96,260
    Bend, OR $94,310

    Nearby metros — Conservation Scientists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $105,680
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $96,260
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $91,770
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $83,220
    Carson City, NV $82,420
    California $81,620

    Related occupations in San Luis Obispo, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $95,100
    Food Science Technicians $50,630
    Forest and Conservation Technicians $61,130
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $133,820
    Urban and Regional Planners $103,270
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $101,920

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Conservation Scientists make per hour in San Luis Obispo?

    The median hourly wage for Conservation Scientists in San Luis Obispo, CA is $37.15, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $46.96 or more per hour.

    Is San Luis Obispo above or below average for Conservation Scientists salaries?

    The median Conservation Scientists salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is 13.7% above the national median of $67,950. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Conservation Scientists in San Luis Obispo?

    Entry-level Conservation Scientists (10th percentile) earn around $58,310 per year in San Luis Obispo, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $61,570.