Science & Research South Bend, IN Pop. 103,453

Environmental Scientist Salary in South Bend, Indiana

The median environmental scientist salary in South Bend, IN is $63,520 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 7.8% below the Indiana state average.

City Median
$63,520
vs State Avg
$-5,357
vs National
$-13,010
Cost of Living
83%

Environmental Scientist Pay in South Bend: What to Expect (2026)

South Bend offers a median environmental scientist salary of $63,520, which is $5,357 below the Indiana state average of $68,877. Compared to the national median of $76,530, South Bend pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of South Bend's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $63,520 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes South Bend an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in South Bend spans from $39,840 at the 10th percentile to $104,580 at the 90th percentile — a $64,740 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,500, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $99,600. With a population of 103,453, South Bend is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in South Bend by Experience

In South Bend, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $41,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,500
$-8,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,740
$-13,260 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,600
$-20,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Bend, IN

Percentile South Bend
10th Percentile $39,840
25th Percentile $48,970
Median (50th) $63,520
75th Percentile $82,170
90th Percentile $104,580

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$80,357
Pop. 99,757
Indianapolis, IN
$71,173
Pop. 887,642
Fort Wayne, IN
$65,051
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$64,285
Pop. 117,429

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in South Bend

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in South Bend

Browse open environmental scientist positions in South Bend, IN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in South Bend

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in South Bend, IN? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in South Bend, Indiana is $63,520 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $39,840 (10th percentile) to $104,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in South Bend? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,520, a environmental scientist in South Bend earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Bend compare to the Indiana state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
South Bend's median environmental scientist salary of $63,520 is 7.8% below the Indiana state average of $68,877. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Bend, IN? ▼
South Bend has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $63,520 in South Bend has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in South Bend? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in South Bend 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.