Science & Research Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Environmental Scientist Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median environmental scientist salary in Columbia, MD is $90,305 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$90,305
vs State Avg
+$6,122
vs National
+$13,775
Cost of Living
118%

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

Columbia offers a median environmental scientist salary of $90,305, which is $6,122 above the Maryland state average of $84,183. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $90,305 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $76,530. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Columbia spans from $56,640 at the 10th percentile to $148,680 at the 90th percentile — a $92,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $141,600. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $59,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $141,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,000
+$9,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,040
+$14,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$141,600
+$21,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $56,640
25th Percentile $69,620
Median (50th) $90,305
75th Percentile $116,820
90th Percentile $148,680

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$93,367
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$88,010
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$82,652
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$80,357
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Columbia

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Columbia, Maryland is $90,305 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $56,640 (10th percentile) to $148,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,305, a environmental scientist in Columbia earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Columbia's median environmental scientist salary of $90,305 is 7.3% above the Maryland state average of $84,183. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $90,305 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Columbia? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Columbia 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.