AI Climate Scientist.
Los Angeles.
$152,000
median salary, 17% above the national average
$111,000 to $199,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
If you are evaluating a AI Climate Scientist offer in Los Angeles, CA, here is the reality: $111,000 to $199,000, with $152,000 as the midpoint. 17% above the national average. Compensation reflects the intersection of climate science domain expertise and ML engineering capability. Do not accept the first number.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $137,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$99,000
to $122,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$129,000
to $160,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$167,000
to $198,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$190,000
to $236,000
Salary trend
+10% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $63,000 to the total package.
Base
$152,000
Equity
$38,000
Bonus
$16,000
Signing
$9,000
Estimated total: $215,000
How Los Angeles compares
Los Angeles, CA
$152,000
Cost of living: 18% above average
National Average
$130,000
Los Angeles is $22,000 above
AI Climate Scientist salary by city
Salary by role in Los Angeles
What you should know
Here is what the AI Climate Scientist market actually looks like in Los Angeles. Los Angeles blends a thriving entertainment industry with a growing tech and startup ecosystem, often called Silicon Beach. The city's diverse economy spans aerospace, healthcare, fashion, and gaming. LA offers strong salaries that, while below San Francisco levels, pair with a broader lifestyle appeal and lower housing costs relative to the Bay Area. Compensation reflects the intersection of climate science domain expertise and ML engineering capability. Scientists who can apply deep learning to climate modeling, weather prediction, or emissions tracking earn premiums over traditional climate researchers. Publication record and ability to secure research grants also impact compensation.
Postdoc AI climate researchers start at $85,000 to $100,000. Mid-level scientists applying ML to operational climate systems reach $120,000 to $150,000. Senior scientists leading AI climate research teams earn $155,000 to $195,000. Directors of climate AI at tech companies or research institutes can reach $210,000 to $260,000. In Los Angeles, those numbers run higher. The cost of living here is 18% above average, and employers adjust to compete.
Base salary is not the full picture. Government and academic positions offer stable benefits but lower base pay. Industry roles at climate tech companies provide equity adding $15,000 to $60,000 annually. Research grants and compute credits from cloud providers support independent work. Some organizations offer mission-aligned impact bonuses. And on the tax side: california's 13.3% top state income tax rate applies to LA earners as well. There is no city income tax, but the high state rate makes take home pay lower than cities in no income tax states. When someone quotes you $152,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Highlight cross industry skills. LA employers value candidates who bridge entertainment and tech, so framing your experience across verticals can unlock higher offers. The range for AI Climate Scientists in Los Angeles runs from $111,000 to $199,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Backend Developer in Los Angeles earns $153,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Los Angeles is Distinguished Engineer at $397,000
Common questions.
AI Climate Scientist salary in other cities
Other salaries in Los Angeles
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