Science & Research Athens, GA Pop. 127,064

Environmental Scientist Salary in Athens, Georgia

The median environmental scientist salary in Athens, GA is $68,877 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.2% below the Georgia state average.

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

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

Athens offers a median environmental scientist salary of $68,877, which is $2,296 below the Georgia state average of $71,173. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Athens pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Athens'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 Athens 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 127,064, Athens is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Athens by Experience

In Athens, 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 Athens, GA

Percentile Athens
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 Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$78,061
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$70,408
Pop. 147,780
Augusta, GA
$67,346
Pop. 202,081
Columbus, GA
$65,816
Pop. 206,922

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Athens

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Athens

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Athens, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Athens

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Athens, GA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Athens, Georgia 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 Athens? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,877, a environmental scientist in Athens earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Athens compare to the Georgia state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Athens's median environmental scientist salary of $68,877 is 3.2% below the Georgia state average of $71,173. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Athens, GA? ▼
Athens has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $68,877 in Athens has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Athens? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Athens 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.