Science & Research Fort Wayne, IN Pop. 263,886

Environmental Scientist Salary in Fort Wayne, Indiana

The median environmental scientist salary in Fort Wayne, IN is $65,051 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 5.6% below the Indiana state average.

City Median
$65,051
vs State Avg
$-3,826
vs National
$-11,479
Cost of Living
85%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Fort Wayne: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Wayne offers a median environmental scientist salary of $65,051, which is $3,826 below the Indiana state average of $68,877. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Fort Wayne pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fort Wayne's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $65,051 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,531 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Wayne an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Fort Wayne spans from $40,800 at the 10th percentile to $107,100 at the 90th percentile — a $66,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,500, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,000. With a population of 263,886, Fort Wayne is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Fort Wayne by Experience

In Fort Wayne, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $42,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,500
$-7,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,300
$-11,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,000
$-18,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Wayne, IN

Percentile Fort Wayne
10th Percentile $40,800
25th Percentile $50,150
Median (50th) $65,051
75th Percentile $84,150
90th Percentile $107,100

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$80,357
Pop. 99,757
Indianapolis, IN
$71,173
Pop. 887,642
Evansville, IN
$64,285
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$63,520
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Fort Wayne

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Fort Wayne

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Fort Wayne, IN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Fort Wayne

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Fort Wayne, IN? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Fort Wayne, Indiana is $65,051 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $40,800 (10th percentile) to $107,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Fort Wayne? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,051, a environmental scientist in Fort Wayne earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Wayne compare to the Indiana state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Fort Wayne's median environmental scientist salary of $65,051 is 5.6% below the Indiana state average of $68,877. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Wayne, IN? ▼
Fort Wayne has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $65,051 in Fort Wayne has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Fort Wayne? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Fort Wayne 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.