Science & Research Kansas City, KS Pop. 156,607

Environmental Scientist Salary in Kansas City, Kansas

The median environmental scientist salary in Kansas City, KS is $67,346 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Kansas state average.

City Median
$67,346
vs State Avg
+$765
vs National
$-9,184
Cost of Living
88%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Kansas City: What to Expect (2026)

Kansas City offers a median environmental scientist salary of $67,346, which is $765 above the Kansas state average of $66,581. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kansas City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $67,346 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Kansas City an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Kansas City spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $110,880 at the 90th percentile — a $68,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. With a population of 156,607, Kansas City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,640
$-9,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, KS

Percentile Kansas City
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $51,920
Median (50th) $67,346
75th Percentile $87,120
90th Percentile $110,880

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Kansas Cities

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Kansas City

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Kansas City, KS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Kansas City, KS? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Kansas City, Kansas is $67,346 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $110,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,346, a environmental scientist in Kansas City earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Kansas state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Kansas City's median environmental scientist salary of $67,346 is 1.1% above the Kansas state average of $66,581. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, KS? ▼
Kansas City has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $67,346 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Kansas City? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Kansas City 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.