Science & Research Saint Louis, MO Pop. 301,578

Environmental Scientist Salary in Saint Louis, Missouri

The median environmental scientist salary in Saint Louis, MO is $68,877 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$68,877
vs State Avg
+$1,531
vs National
$-7,653
Cost of Living
90%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Saint Louis: What to Expect (2026)

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

Saint Louis'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 Saint Louis 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 301,578, Saint Louis is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Saint Louis by Experience

In Saint Louis, 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 Saint Louis, MO

Percentile Saint Louis
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 Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$70,408
Pop. 508,090
Columbia, MO
$67,346
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$65,051
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$62,755
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Saint Louis

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Saint Louis

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Saint Louis, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Saint Louis

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Saint Louis, MO? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Saint Louis, Missouri 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 Saint Louis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,877, a environmental scientist in Saint Louis earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Saint Louis compare to the Missouri state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Saint Louis's median environmental scientist salary of $68,877 is 2.3% above the Missouri state average of $67,346. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Saint Louis, MO? ▼
Saint Louis has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $68,877 in Saint Louis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Saint Louis? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Saint Louis 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.