Science & Research Kansas (KS) Rank #45 of 50

Environmental Scientist Salary in Kansas

The median environmental scientist salary in Kansas is $66,581 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $76,530.

Median Salary
$66,581
vs National
$-9,949
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Environmental Scientist Salary Overview in Kansas (2026)

Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for environmental scientist compensation. Environmental Scientist salaries in Kansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $66,581 per year, environmental scientists in Kansas earn $9,949 less than the national median of $76,530.

A key advantage of working in Kansas is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $66,581 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $76,530 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kansas is significant: environmental scientists at the 10th percentile earn $41,760, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $109,620 — a $67,860 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kansas for this role is Overland Park, where the median reaches $73,469.

Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for environmental scientists across the country.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Kansas by Experience

In Kansas, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $43,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,400 per year. The cost of living index in Kansas is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,500
$-6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,860
$-10,140 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,400
$-15,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kansas

Percentile KS Salary
10th Percentile $41,760
25th Percentile $51,330
Median (50th) $66,581
75th Percentile $86,130
90th Percentile $109,620

Environmental Scientist Salary by City in Kansas

The largest employment areas for environmental scientists in Kansas include Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Topeka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Kansas

Education

Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Kansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook in Kansas

Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Kansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Kansas

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Kansas? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Kansas is $66,581 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $41,760 (10th percentile) to $109,620 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Kansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,581, a environmental scientist in Kansas earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kansas a good state for environmental scientists? ▼
Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for environmental scientist pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level environmental scientists earn $43,500, while senior professionals earn $104,400.
How does Kansas compare to other states for environmental scientist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for environmental scientists is Hawaii at $130,101. Kansas's median of $66,581 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Dakota ($67,346) and Alabama ($66,581).
What is the entry-level environmental scientist salary in Kansas? ▼
An entry-level environmental scientist in Kansas earns approximately $43,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $67,860. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $104,400.
What city in Kansas pays environmental scientists the most? ▼
Overland Park is the highest paying city in Kansas for environmental scientists, with a median salary of $73,469. Other cities include Wichita and Kansas City.