Science & Research
Environmental Scientist Salary
Environmental scientists study the environment and develop solutions to pollution, resource management, and climate issues.
Median Salary
$76,530
Mean Salary
$81,700
Total Employed
87,600
Job Growth
+6%
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level environmental scientists earn around $50,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $78,000. Senior-level environmental scientists can earn $120,000 or more.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,000 Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,000 Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,000 Salary Percentile Breakdown
The salary range for environmental scientists varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $48,000, while the top 10% earn $126,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $48,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $76,530 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $126,000 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by State
Environmental Scientist salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $130,101, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $63,520.
| State | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | $130,101 | Details → |
| #2 California | $105,611 | Details → |
| #3 Massachusetts | $103,316 | Details → |
| #4 Alaska | $94,897 | Details → |
| #5 New York | $93,367 | Details → |
| #6 New Jersey | $88,010 | Details → |
| #7 Washington | $88,010 | Details → |
| #8 Connecticut | $85,714 | Details → |
| #9 Maryland | $84,183 | Details → |
| #10 Oregon | $84,183 | Details → |
| #11 Colorado | $80,357 | Details → |
| #12 New Hampshire | $80,357 | Details → |
| #13 Rhode Island | $80,357 | Details → |
| #14 Virginia | $79,591 | Details → |
| #15 Delaware | $77,295 | Details → |
| #16 Vermont | $77,295 | Details → |
| #17 Florida | $74,999 | Details → |
| #18 Maine | $74,999 | Details → |
| #19 Arizona | $74,234 | Details → |
| #20 Minnesota | $74,234 | Details → |
| #21 Nevada | $74,234 | Details → |
| #22 Utah | $74,234 | Details → |
| #23 Pennsylvania | $73,469 | Details → |
| #24 Illinois | $72,704 | Details → |
| #25 Montana | $72,704 | Details → |
| #26 Idaho | $71,938 | Details → |
| #27 Georgia | $71,173 | Details → |
| #28 New Mexico | $71,173 | Details → |
| #29 North Carolina | $70,408 | Details → |
| #30 Texas | $70,408 | Details → |
| #31 Wisconsin | $70,408 | Details → |
| #32 Wyoming | $70,408 | Details → |
| #33 Louisiana | $69,642 | Details → |
| #34 Indiana | $68,877 | Details → |
| #35 Michigan | $68,877 | Details → |
| #36 Nebraska | $68,877 | Details → |
| #37 North Dakota | $68,877 | Details → |
| #38 Ohio | $68,877 | Details → |
| #39 Iowa | $68,112 | Details → |
| #40 South Carolina | $68,112 | Details → |
| #41 Tennessee | $68,112 | Details → |
| #42 Missouri | $67,346 | Details → |
| #43 South Dakota | $67,346 | Details → |
| #44 Alabama | $66,581 | Details → |
| #45 Kansas | $66,581 | Details → |
| #46 Kentucky | $66,581 | Details → |
| #47 Oklahoma | $65,816 | Details → |
| #48 Arkansas | $64,285 | Details → |
| #49 West Virginia | $64,285 | Details → |
| #50 Mississippi | $63,520 | Details → |
Key Responsibilities
- ● Collect environmental data
- ● Conduct impact assessments
- ● Develop remediation plans
- ● Ensure regulatory compliance
- ● Write environmental reports
Top Skills
Environmental Sampling GIS Data Analysis Environmental Law Report Writing Field Research
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook
Faster than average — projected 6% growth over the next decade
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Frequently Asked Questions About Environmental Scientist Salaries
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per year? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in the United States is $76,530 per year. Entry-level positions start around $50,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $120,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $81,700.
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $76,530 per year, a environmental scientist earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for environmental scientists? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for environmental scientists, with a median salary of $130,101. Other top-paying states include California ($105,611) and Massachusetts ($103,316).
What education do you need to become a environmental scientist? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for environmental scientists? ▼
Employment for environmental scientists is projected to grow 6% over the next decade, which is faster than average. There are currently 87,600 environmental scientists employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level environmental scientist make? ▼
An entry-level environmental scientist with 0-2 years of experience earns around $50,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $78,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $48,000, while the top 10% earn $126,000.