Environmental Scientist Salary in Portland, Maine
The median environmental scientist salary in Portland, ME is $82,652 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 10.2% above the Maine state average.
Environmental Scientist Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)
Portland offers a median environmental scientist salary of $82,652, which is $7,653 above the Maine state average of $74,999. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Portland pays above average for this role.
Portland's cost of living is 108% 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 Portland spans from $51,840 at the 10th percentile to $136,080 at the 90th percentile — a $84,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $129,600. Portland is a smaller market (pop. 68,408), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Environmental Scientist Salary in Portland by Experience
In Portland, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $54,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $129,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME
| Percentile | Portland |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $51,840 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,720 |
| Median (50th) | $82,652 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $136,080 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Maine Cities
How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Portland
Education
Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Portland and the surrounding Maine 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 Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Portland
Browse open environmental scientist positions in Portland, ME: