Science & Research Great Falls, MT Pop. 60,442

Environmental Scientist Salary in Great Falls, Montana

The median environmental scientist salary in Great Falls, MT is $67,346 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 7.4% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$67,346
vs State Avg
$-5,358
vs National
$-9,184
Cost of Living
88%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median environmental scientist salary of $67,346, which is $5,358 below the Montana state average of $72,704. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for environmental scientists in Great Falls 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. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, 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 Great Falls, MT

Percentile Great Falls
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 Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$88,010
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$78,061
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$73,469
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$71,938
Pop. 32,315

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Great Falls

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Great Falls

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Great Falls, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Great Falls, MT? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Great Falls, Montana 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 Great Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,346, a environmental scientist in Great Falls earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Great Falls's median environmental scientist salary of $67,346 is 7.4% below the Montana state average of $72,704. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼
Great Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $67,346 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Great Falls? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Great Falls 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.