Environmental Scientist Salary in Lexington, Kentucky
The median environmental scientist salary in Lexington, KY is $71,173 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 6.9% above the Kentucky state average.
Environmental Scientist Pay in Lexington: What to Expect (2026)
Lexington offers a median environmental scientist salary of $71,173, which is $4,592 above the Kentucky state average of $66,581. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Lexington pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Lexington's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for environmental scientists in Lexington spans from $44,640 at the 10th percentile to $117,180 at the 90th percentile — a $72,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,500, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $111,600. With a population of 322,570, Lexington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Environmental Scientist Salary in Lexington by Experience
In Lexington, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $46,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $111,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Lexington, KY
| Percentile | Lexington |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $44,640 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,870 |
| Median (50th) | $71,173 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,070 |
| 90th Percentile | $117,180 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Kentucky Cities
How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Lexington
Education
Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Lexington and the surrounding Kentucky area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Lexington may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Lexington
Browse open environmental scientist positions in Lexington, KY: