Conservation Scientists Salary in Santa Maria, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA

Median annual salary $70,260 +3.4% vs national
Median hourly $33.78
10th percentile $47,420
90th percentile $152,420
Employed locally 30
National median $67,950

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Conservation Scientists
in
Santa Maria, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $47,420
    25th
    $56,990
    50th (median)
    $70,260
    75th
    $105,490
    90th
    $152,420

    Santa Maria economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $95,977 2023 • Census ACS
    Conservation Scientists salary vs area income 73% Median Conservation Scientists salary is 27% 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 Santa Maria, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$105,750
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$131,170
    Biological Scientists, All Other$111,220
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$100,240
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$95,100
    Urban and Regional Planners$102,300

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Conservation Scientists make per hour in Santa Maria?

    The median hourly wage for Conservation Scientists in Santa Maria, CA is $33.78, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $59.60 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Maria above or below average for Conservation Scientists salaries?

    The median Conservation Scientists salary in Santa Maria, CA is 3.4% 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 Santa Maria?

    Entry-level Conservation Scientists (10th percentile) earn around $47,420 per year in Santa Maria, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $56,990.