Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CA Board of Science
Environmental Scientist Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for environmental scientist in California, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
Renewal al Period: Every 2 yearsLicensing Blueprint for Environmental Scientist in California
Estimated timeline: 2 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 2
Refer to the LFS General Fee Information Page for a full list of fees associated with licensing.
- 3
Exams: Applicants must refer to the LFS Website for the list of approved certifying organization examinations for each license category.
- 4
Academic and Training or Experience Requirements: Baccalaureate with specific course requirements plus one year of post-baccalaureate clinical training as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist or one year of work experience as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist performing high complexity testing in hematology, chemistry, blood bank, and microbiology.
- 5
Renewal Period: Every 2 years.
Continuing education and program notes
- certifying organization examinations for each license category
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Public Health • Laboratory Field Services • Personnel Licensing Section
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal al Period: Every 2 years
- Salary Position
$97,520 median (22% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#1 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Environmental Scientist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Academic and Training or Experience Requirements: Baccalaureate with specific course requirements plus one year of post-baccalaureate cli...).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Academic and Training or Experience Requirements: Baccalaureate with specific course requirements plus one year of post-baccalaureate cli...).
- 4. Pass required state examinations.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Public Health~Laboratory Field Services~Personnel Licensing Section and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al Period: Every 2 years).
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $97,520, Environmental Scientists in California earn 22% above the national median of $80,060. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$97,520Hourly estimate
$46.8822% above national median
Difference: +$17,460
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationEnvironmental Scientist Salary Ranking
#1 of 50 statesfor Environmental Scientist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $97,520 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | $96,330 |
| #3 | Oregon | $93,560 |
| #4 | Rhode Island | $90,460 |
| #5 | Illinois | $89,010 |
Nearby States Comparison
Environmental Scientist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $97,520 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 2 years |
| Oregon | $93,560 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $80,480 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 2-3 years |
| Arizona | $78,870 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Public Health • Laboratory Field Services • Personnel Licensing Section
850 Marina Bay Parkway, Building P, 1st Floor, Richmond, CA, 94804-6403
Phone: 5106203800
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $64,020 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Chemical Technicians | $56,620 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $38,220 | Varies by state board | 1-18 months |
| Forester | $98,870 | Varies by state board | 3 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Environmental Scientist in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Environmental Scientist salary in California?
The median annual salary for Environmental Scientists in California is $97,520. Salaries range from $60,430 (10th percentile) to $158,720 (90th percentile).
How does the Environmental Scientist salary in California compare to the national average?
Environmental Scientists in California earn 22% above the national median of $80,060, with a state median of $97,520.
How many Environmental Scientists work in California?
California employs approximately 13,200 Environmental Scientists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Environmental Scientist license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Environmental Scientists in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Public Health / Laboratory Field Services / Personnel Licensing Section. Review agency details at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/.
How often do you renew a Environmental Scientist license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al Period: Every 2 years.