Science & Research Birmingham, AL Pop. 197,575

Environmental Scientist Salary in Birmingham, Alabama

The median environmental scientist salary in Birmingham, AL is $68,877 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.4% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$68,877
vs State Avg
+$2,296
vs National
$-7,653
Cost of Living
90%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)

Birmingham offers a median environmental scientist salary of $68,877, which is $2,296 above the Alabama state average of $66,581. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Birmingham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Birmingham's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Birmingham spans from $43,200 at the 10th percentile to $113,400 at the 90th percentile — a $70,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,000. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Birmingham by Experience

In Birmingham, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Birmingham, AL

Percentile Birmingham
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $53,100
Median (50th) $68,877
75th Percentile $89,100
90th Percentile $113,400

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$70,408
Pop. 216,963
Tuscaloosa, AL
$67,346
Pop. 101,129
Montgomery, AL
$65,816
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$65,051
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Birmingham

Education

Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Birmingham

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Birmingham, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Birmingham

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Birmingham, AL? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Birmingham, Alabama is $68,877 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $113,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Birmingham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,877, a environmental scientist in Birmingham earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Birmingham's median environmental scientist salary of $68,877 is 3.4% above the Alabama state average of $66,581. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL? ▼
Birmingham has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $68,877 in Birmingham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Birmingham? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Birmingham require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.