Science & Research Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Environmental Scientist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median environmental scientist salary in Lafayette, LA is $67,346 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$67,346
vs State Avg
$-2,296
vs National
$-9,184
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median environmental scientist salary of $67,346, which is $2,296 below the Louisiana state average of $69,642. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for environmental scientists in Lafayette 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 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
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 Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$74,999
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$70,408
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$65,816
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$65,051
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Lafayette, Louisiana 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 Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,346, a environmental scientist in Lafayette earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Lafayette's median environmental scientist salary of $67,346 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $69,642. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $67,346 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Lafayette? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Lafayette 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.