Science & Research Atlanta, GA Pop. 498,715

Environmental Scientist Salary in Atlanta, Georgia

The median environmental scientist salary in Atlanta, GA is $78,061 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 9.7% above the Georgia state average.

City Median
$78,061
vs State Avg
+$6,888
vs National
+$1,531
Cost of Living
102%

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

Atlanta offers a median environmental scientist salary of $78,061, which is $6,888 above the Georgia state average of $71,173. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Atlanta pays above average for this role.

Atlanta's cost of living is 102% 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 Atlanta spans from $48,960 at the 10th percentile to $128,520 at the 90th percentile — a $79,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $122,400. With a population of 498,715, Atlanta is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Atlanta by Experience

In Atlanta, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $51,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,000
+$1,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,560
+$1,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$122,400
+$2,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Atlanta, GA

Percentile Atlanta
10th Percentile $48,960
25th Percentile $60,180
Median (50th) $78,061
75th Percentile $100,980
90th Percentile $128,520

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Savannah, GA
$70,408
Pop. 147,780
Athens, GA
$68,877
Pop. 127,064
Augusta, GA
$67,346
Pop. 202,081
Columbus, GA
$65,816
Pop. 206,922

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Atlanta

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Atlanta

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Atlanta, GA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Atlanta

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Atlanta, GA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Atlanta, Georgia is $78,061 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $48,960 (10th percentile) to $128,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Atlanta? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,061, a environmental scientist in Atlanta earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Atlanta compare to the Georgia state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Atlanta's median environmental scientist salary of $78,061 is 9.7% above the Georgia state average of $71,173. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Atlanta, GA? ▼
Atlanta has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $78,061 in Atlanta has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Atlanta? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Atlanta 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.