Science & Research Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Environmental Scientist Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median environmental scientist salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $67,346 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$67,346
vs State Avg
+$765
vs National
$-9,184
Cost of Living
88%

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

Tuscaloosa offers a median environmental scientist salary of $67,346, which is $765 above the Alabama state average of $66,581. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $67,346 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Tuscaloosa spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $110,880 at the 90th percentile — a $68,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,640
$-9,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $51,920
Median (50th) $67,346
75th Percentile $87,120
90th Percentile $110,880

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$70,408
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$68,877
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$65,816
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$65,051
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $67,346 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $110,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,346, a environmental scientist in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median environmental scientist salary of $67,346 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $66,581. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $67,346 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Tuscaloosa 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.