Science & Research Baton Rouge, LA Pop. 227,470

Environmental Scientist Salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The median environmental scientist salary in Baton Rouge, LA is $70,408 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$70,408
vs State Avg
+$766
vs National
$-6,122
Cost of Living
92%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Baton Rouge: What to Expect (2026)

Baton Rouge offers a median environmental scientist salary of $70,408, which is $766 above the Louisiana state average of $69,642. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Baton Rouge pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Baton Rouge's cost of living is 92% 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 Baton Rouge spans from $44,160 at the 10th percentile to $115,920 at the 90th percentile — a $71,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,400. With a population of 227,470, Baton Rouge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Baton Rouge by Experience

In Baton Rouge, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,400
$-9,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Baton Rouge, LA

Percentile Baton Rouge
10th Percentile $44,160
25th Percentile $54,280
Median (50th) $70,408
75th Percentile $91,080
90th Percentile $115,920

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$74,999
Pop. 383,997
Lafayette, LA
$67,346
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$65,816
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$65,051
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Baton Rouge

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Baton Rouge

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Baton Rouge, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Baton Rouge

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is $70,408 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $44,160 (10th percentile) to $115,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Baton Rouge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,408, a environmental scientist in Baton Rouge earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baton Rouge compare to the Louisiana state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Baton Rouge's median environmental scientist salary of $70,408 is 1.1% above the Louisiana state average of $69,642. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
Baton Rouge has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $70,408 in Baton Rouge has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Baton Rouge? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Baton Rouge 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.