Science & Research Silver Spring, MD Pop. 81,015

Environmental Scientist Salary in Silver Spring, Maryland

The median environmental scientist salary in Silver Spring, MD is $93,367 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 10.9% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$93,367
vs State Avg
+$9,184
vs National
+$16,837
Cost of Living
122%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Silver Spring: What to Expect (2026)

Silver Spring offers a median environmental scientist salary of $93,367, which is $9,184 above the Maryland state average of $84,183. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Silver Spring pays above average for this role.

However, Silver Spring's cost of living index is 122%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $93,367 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $76,530. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Silver Spring should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Silver Spring spans from $58,560 at the 10th percentile to $153,720 at the 90th percentile — a $95,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $146,400. Silver Spring is a smaller market (pop. 81,015), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Silver Spring by Experience

In Silver Spring, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $61,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $146,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,000
+$11,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,160
+$17,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$146,400
+$26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Silver Spring, MD

Percentile Silver Spring
10th Percentile $58,560
25th Percentile $71,980
Median (50th) $93,367
75th Percentile $120,780
90th Percentile $153,720

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD
$90,305
Pop. 104,681
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 Silver Spring

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Silver Spring

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Silver Spring, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Silver Spring

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Silver Spring, Maryland is $93,367 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $58,560 (10th percentile) to $153,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Silver Spring? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,367, a environmental scientist in Silver Spring earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Silver Spring compare to the Maryland state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Silver Spring's median environmental scientist salary of $93,367 is 10.9% above the Maryland state average of $84,183. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
Silver Spring has a cost of living index of 122% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $93,367 in Silver Spring has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Silver Spring? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Silver Spring 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.