Science & Research Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Environmental Scientist Salary in Kentucky

The median environmental scientist salary in Kentucky 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
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Environmental Scientist Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, 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 Kentucky 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

Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY 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 Kentucky

The largest employment areas for environmental scientists in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Louisville, KY
$70,408
Pop. 633,045 · COL 92%
Lexington, KY
$71,173
Pop. 322,570 · COL 93%
Bowling Green, KY
$64,285
Pop. 74,735 · COL 84%
Owensboro, KY
$62,755
Pop. 60,183 · COL 82%
Covington, KY
$67,346
Pop. 40,961 · COL 88%

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Kentucky

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook in Kentucky

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Kentucky

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Kentucky:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Kentucky? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Kentucky 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 Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,581, a environmental scientist in Kentucky earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for environmental scientists? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 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 Kentucky compare to other states for environmental scientist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for environmental scientists is Hawaii at $130,101. Kentucky's median of $66,581 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($66,581) and Kansas ($66,581).
What is the entry-level environmental scientist salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level environmental scientist in Kentucky 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 Kentucky pays environmental scientists the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for environmental scientists, with a median salary of $71,173. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.