Science & Research Fayetteville, AR Pop. 93,949

Environmental Scientist Salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas

The median environmental scientist salary in Fayetteville, AR is $67,346 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$67,346
vs State Avg
+$3,061
vs National
$-9,184
Cost of Living
88%

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

Fayetteville offers a median environmental scientist salary of $67,346, which is $3,061 above the Arkansas state average of $64,285. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Fayetteville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fayetteville'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 Fayetteville an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Fayetteville 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. Fayetteville is a smaller market (pop. 93,949), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Fayetteville by Experience

In Fayetteville, 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 Fayetteville, AR

Percentile Fayetteville
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 Arkansas Cities

Little Rock, AR
$66,581
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$64,285
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$62,755
Pop. 78,576
Fort Smith, AR
$61,224
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Fayetteville

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Fayetteville

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Fayetteville, AR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Fayetteville

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas 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 Fayetteville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,346, a environmental scientist in Fayetteville earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fayetteville compare to the Arkansas state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Fayetteville's median environmental scientist salary of $67,346 is 4.8% above the Arkansas state average of $64,285. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
Fayetteville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $67,346 in Fayetteville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Fayetteville? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Fayetteville 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.