Environmental Scientist Salary in Columbus, GA: $65,816 (2026)

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

Columbus offers a median environmental scientist salary of $65,816, which is $5,357 below the Georgia state average of $71,173. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbus's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $65,816 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbus an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Columbus spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $108,360 at the 90th percentile — a $67,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,200. With a population of 206,922, Columbus is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$43,000

$-7,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$67,080

$-10,920 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$103,200

$-16,800 vs national

Percentile	Columbus	GA State	National
10th Percentile	$41,280	$44,640	$48,000
25th Percentile	$50,740	$54,870	$59,000
Median (50th)	$65,816	$71,173	$76,530
75th Percentile	$85,140	$92,070	$99,000
90th Percentile	$108,360	$117,180	$126,000

Percentile

Columbus

10th Percentile

$41,280

25th Percentile

$50,740

Median (50th)

$65,816

75th Percentile

$85,140

90th Percentile

$108,360

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Columbus

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Columbus

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Columbus, GA? ▼

The median environmental scientist salary in Columbus, Georgia is $65,816 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $108,360 (90th percentile).

How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Columbus? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $65,816, a environmental scientist in Columbus earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Columbus compare to the Georgia state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼

Columbus's median environmental scientist salary of $65,816 is 7.5% below the Georgia state average of $71,173. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Columbus, GA? ▼

Columbus has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $65,816 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Columbus? ▼

Most environmental scientist positions in Columbus 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.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Columbus, Georgia