Science & Research New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Environmental Scientist Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median environmental scientist salary in New Orleans, LA is $74,999 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$74,999
vs State Avg
+$5,357
vs National
$-1,531
Cost of Living
98%

Environmental Scientist Pay in New Orleans: What to Expect (2026)

New Orleans offers a median environmental scientist salary of $74,999, which is $5,357 above the Louisiana state average of $69,642. Compared to the national median of $76,530, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% 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 New Orleans spans from $47,040 at the 10th percentile to $123,480 at the 90th percentile — a $76,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,600. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $49,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,000
$-1,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,440
$-1,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,600
$-2,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $47,040
25th Percentile $57,820
Median (50th) $74,999
75th Percentile $97,020
90th Percentile $123,480

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$70,408
Pop. 227,470
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 New Orleans

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open environmental scientist positions in New Orleans, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $74,999 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $47,040 (10th percentile) to $123,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,999, a environmental scientist in New Orleans earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
New Orleans's median environmental scientist salary of $74,999 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $69,642. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $74,999 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in New Orleans? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in New Orleans 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.