Science & Research Covington, KY Pop. 40,961

Environmental Scientist Salary in Covington, Kentucky

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

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

Environmental Scientist Pay in Covington: What to Expect (2026)

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

One of Covington'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 Covington an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Covington 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. Covington is a smaller market (pop. 40,961), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Covington by Experience

In Covington, 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 Covington, KY

Percentile Covington
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 Kentucky Cities

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Covington

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Covington

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Covington, KY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Covington

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Covington, KY? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Covington, Kentucky 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 Covington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,346, a environmental scientist in Covington earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Covington compare to the Kentucky state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Covington's median environmental scientist salary of $67,346 is 1.1% above the Kentucky state average of $66,581. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Covington, KY? ▼
Covington has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $67,346 in Covington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Covington? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Covington 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.