Science & Research Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Environmental Scientist Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median environmental scientist salary in Grand Island, NE is $64,285 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$64,285
vs State Avg
$-4,592
vs National
$-12,245
Cost of Living
84%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Grand Island: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Island offers a median environmental scientist salary of $64,285, which is $4,592 below the Nebraska state average of $68,877. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Grand Island pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Island's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $64,285 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Grand Island spans from $40,320 at the 10th percentile to $105,840 at the 90th percentile — a $65,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,800. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,520
$-12,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,800
$-19,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $40,320
25th Percentile $49,560
Median (50th) $64,285
75th Percentile $83,160
90th Percentile $105,840

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Grand Island

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Grand Island, NE:

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $64,285 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $40,320 (10th percentile) to $105,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,285, a environmental scientist in Grand Island earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Grand Island's median environmental scientist salary of $64,285 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $68,877. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Island, NE? ▼
Grand Island has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $64,285 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Grand Island? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Grand Island 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.