Science & Research Phoenix, AZ Pop. 1,608,139

Environmental Scientist Salary in Phoenix, Arizona

The median environmental scientist salary in Phoenix, AZ is $76,530 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 3.1% above the Arizona state average.

City Median
$76,530
vs State Avg
+$2,296
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Phoenix offers a median environmental scientist salary of $76,530, which is $2,296 above the Arizona state average of $74,234. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Phoenix pays above average for this role.

Phoenix's cost of living is 100% 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 Phoenix spans from $48,000 at the 10th percentile to $126,000 at the 90th percentile — a $78,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,608,139, Phoenix typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Phoenix by Experience

In Phoenix, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $50,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Phoenix, AZ

Percentile Phoenix
10th Percentile $48,000
25th Percentile $59,000
Median (50th) $76,530
75th Percentile $99,000
90th Percentile $126,000

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Arizona Cities

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Phoenix

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Phoenix

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Phoenix, AZ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Phoenix

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Phoenix, AZ? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Phoenix, Arizona is $76,530 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $48,000 (10th percentile) to $126,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Phoenix? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,530, a environmental scientist in Phoenix earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Phoenix compare to the Arizona state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Phoenix's median environmental scientist salary of $76,530 is 3.1% above the Arizona state average of $74,234. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Phoenix, AZ? ▼
Phoenix has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $76,530 in Phoenix has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Phoenix? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Phoenix 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.