Science & Research Lincoln, NE Pop. 291,082

Environmental Scientist Salary in Lincoln, Nebraska

The median environmental scientist salary in Lincoln, NE is $68,877 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$68,877
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-7,653
Cost of Living
90%

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

Lincoln offers a median environmental scientist salary of $68,877, which is $0 above the Nebraska state average of $68,877. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Lincoln pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lincoln'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 Lincoln 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 291,082, Lincoln is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Lincoln by Experience

In Lincoln, 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 Lincoln, NE

Percentile Lincoln
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 Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$71,173
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$70,408
Pop. 64,176
Kearney, NE
$65,816
Pop. 33,464
Grand Island, NE
$64,285
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Lincoln

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Lincoln

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Lincoln, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Lincoln

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Lincoln, NE? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Lincoln, Nebraska 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 Lincoln? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,877, a environmental scientist in Lincoln earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lincoln compare to the Nebraska state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Lincoln's median environmental scientist salary of $68,877 is 0.0% above the Nebraska state average of $68,877. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lincoln, NE? ▼
Lincoln has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $68,877 in Lincoln has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Lincoln? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Lincoln 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.