Science & Research Hattiesburg, MS Pop. 48,728

Environmental Scientist Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The median environmental scientist salary in Hattiesburg, MS is $61,224 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 3.6% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$61,224
vs State Avg
$-2,296
vs National
$-15,306
Cost of Living
80%

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

Hattiesburg offers a median environmental scientist salary of $61,224, which is $2,296 below the Mississippi state average of $63,520. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Hattiesburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Hattiesburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $61,224 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Hattiesburg an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Hattiesburg spans from $38,400 at the 10th percentile to $100,800 at the 90th percentile — a $62,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,000. Hattiesburg is a smaller market (pop. 48,728), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Hattiesburg by Experience

In Hattiesburg, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $40,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,000
$-10,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,400
$-15,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,000
$-24,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hattiesburg, MS

Percentile Hattiesburg
10th Percentile $38,400
25th Percentile $47,200
Median (50th) $61,224
75th Percentile $79,200
90th Percentile $100,800

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Hattiesburg

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Hattiesburg

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Hattiesburg, MS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Hattiesburg

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is $61,224 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $38,400 (10th percentile) to $100,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Hattiesburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,224, a environmental scientist in Hattiesburg earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hattiesburg compare to the Mississippi state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Hattiesburg's median environmental scientist salary of $61,224 is 3.6% below the Mississippi state average of $63,520. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
Hattiesburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $61,224 in Hattiesburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Hattiesburg? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Hattiesburg 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.