Science & Research Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Environmental Scientist Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median environmental scientist salary in Detroit, MI is $67,346 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$67,346
vs State Avg
$-1,531
vs National
$-9,184
Cost of Living
88%

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

Detroit offers a median environmental scientist salary of $67,346, which is $1,531 below the Michigan state average of $68,877. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for environmental scientists in Detroit 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. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, 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 Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
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 Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$80,357
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$68,877
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$67,346
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$65,816
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Detroit

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Detroit

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Detroit, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Detroit

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Detroit, Michigan 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 Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,346, a environmental scientist in Detroit earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Detroit's median environmental scientist salary of $67,346 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $68,877. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $67,346 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Detroit? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Detroit 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.