Science & Research Grand Rapids, MI Pop. 198,917

Environmental Scientist Salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The median environmental scientist salary in Grand Rapids, MI is $68,877 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Michigan state average.

City Median
$68,877
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-7,653
Cost of Living
90%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Grand Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Rapids offers a median environmental scientist salary of $68,877, which is $0 above the Michigan state average of $68,877. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Grand Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Grand Rapids's cost of living is 90% 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 Grand Rapids spans from $43,200 at the 10th percentile to $113,400 at the 90th percentile — a $70,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,000. With a population of 198,917, Grand Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Grand Rapids by Experience

In Grand Rapids, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Rapids, MI

Percentile Grand Rapids
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $53,100
Median (50th) $68,877
75th Percentile $89,100
90th Percentile $113,400

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$80,357
Pop. 123,851
Detroit, MI
$67,346
Pop. 639,111
Warren, MI
$67,346
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$65,816
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Grand Rapids

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Grand Rapids

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Grand Rapids, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Grand Rapids

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan is $68,877 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $113,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Grand Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,877, a environmental scientist in Grand Rapids earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Rapids compare to the Michigan state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Grand Rapids's median environmental scientist salary of $68,877 is 0.0% above the Michigan state average of $68,877. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼
Grand Rapids has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $68,877 in Grand Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Grand Rapids? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Grand Rapids 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.