Science & Research Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Environmental Scientist Salary in Sacramento, California

The median environmental scientist salary in Sacramento, CA is $90,305 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$90,305
vs State Avg
$-15,306
vs National
+$13,775
Cost of Living
118%

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

Sacramento offers a median environmental scientist salary of $90,305, which is $15,306 below the California state average of $105,611. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $90,305 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $76,530. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Sacramento spans from $56,640 at the 10th percentile to $148,680 at the 90th percentile — a $92,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $141,600. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $59,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $141,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,000
+$9,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,040
+$14,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$141,600
+$21,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $56,640
25th Percentile $69,620
Median (50th) $90,305
75th Percentile $116,820
90th Percentile $148,680

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$139,285
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$128,570
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$111,734
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$108,673
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Sacramento

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Sacramento, California is $90,305 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $56,640 (10th percentile) to $148,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,305, a environmental scientist in Sacramento earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Sacramento's median environmental scientist salary of $90,305 is 14.5% below the California state average of $105,611. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $90,305 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Sacramento? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Sacramento 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.