Science & Research Missoula, MT Pop. 75,516

Environmental Scientist Salary in Missoula, Montana

The median environmental scientist salary in Missoula, MT is $78,061 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.4% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$78,061
vs State Avg
+$5,357
vs National
+$1,531
Cost of Living
102%

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

Missoula offers a median environmental scientist salary of $78,061, which is $5,357 above the Montana state average of $72,704. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Missoula pays above average for this role.

Missoula's cost of living is 102% 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 Missoula spans from $48,960 at the 10th percentile to $128,520 at the 90th percentile — a $79,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $122,400. Missoula is a smaller market (pop. 75,516), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Missoula by Experience

In Missoula, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $51,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,000
+$1,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,560
+$1,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$122,400
+$2,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Missoula, MT

Percentile Missoula
10th Percentile $48,960
25th Percentile $60,180
Median (50th) $78,061
75th Percentile $100,980
90th Percentile $128,520

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$88,010
Pop. 53,293
Billings, MT
$73,469
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$71,938
Pop. 32,315
Great Falls, MT
$67,346
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Missoula

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Missoula

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Missoula, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Missoula

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Missoula, MT? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Missoula, Montana is $78,061 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $48,960 (10th percentile) to $128,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Missoula? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,061, a environmental scientist in Missoula earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Missoula compare to the Montana state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Missoula's median environmental scientist salary of $78,061 is 7.4% above the Montana state average of $72,704. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Missoula, MT? ▼
Missoula has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $78,061 in Missoula has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Missoula? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Missoula 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.