Science & Research Lansing, MI Pop. 112,644

Environmental Scientist Salary in Lansing, Michigan

The median environmental scientist salary in Lansing, MI is $65,816 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$65,816
vs State Avg
$-3,061
vs National
$-10,714
Cost of Living
86%

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

Lansing offers a median environmental scientist salary of $65,816, which is $3,061 below the Michigan state average of $68,877. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Lansing pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lansing's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $65,816 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Lansing an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Lansing spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $108,360 at the 90th percentile — a $67,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,200. With a population of 112,644, Lansing is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Lansing by Experience

In Lansing, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,080
$-10,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lansing, MI

Percentile Lansing
10th Percentile $41,280
25th Percentile $50,740
Median (50th) $65,816
75th Percentile $85,140
90th Percentile $108,360

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$80,357
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$68,877
Pop. 198,917
Detroit, MI
$67,346
Pop. 639,111
Warren, MI
$67,346
Pop. 139,387

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Lansing

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Lansing

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Lansing, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Lansing

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Lansing, MI? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Lansing, Michigan is $65,816 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $108,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Lansing? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,816, a environmental scientist in Lansing earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lansing compare to the Michigan state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Lansing's median environmental scientist salary of $65,816 is 4.4% below the Michigan state average of $68,877. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lansing, MI? ▼
Lansing has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $65,816 in Lansing has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Lansing? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Lansing 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.