Science & Research Reno, NV Pop. 264,165

Environmental Scientist Salary in Reno, Nevada

The median environmental scientist salary in Reno, NV is $79,591 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 7.2% above the Nevada state average.

City Median
$79,591
vs State Avg
+$5,357
vs National
+$3,061
Cost of Living
104%

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

Reno offers a median environmental scientist salary of $79,591, which is $5,357 above the Nevada state average of $74,234. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Reno pays above average for this role.

Reno's cost of living is 104% 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 Reno spans from $49,920 at the 10th percentile to $131,040 at the 90th percentile — a $81,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,800. With a population of 264,165, Reno is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Reno by Experience

In Reno, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $52,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,000
+$2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,120
+$3,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,800
+$4,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reno, NV

Percentile Reno
10th Percentile $49,920
25th Percentile $61,360
Median (50th) $79,591
75th Percentile $102,960
90th Percentile $131,040

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Nevada Cities

Henderson, NV
$78,061
Pop. 320,189
Las Vegas, NV
$76,530
Pop. 641,903
Sparks, NV
$74,999
Pop. 108,445
North Las Vegas, NV
$72,704
Pop. 262,527

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Reno

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Reno

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Reno, NV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Reno

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Reno, NV? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Reno, Nevada is $79,591 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $49,920 (10th percentile) to $131,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Reno? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,591, a environmental scientist in Reno earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reno compare to the Nevada state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Reno's median environmental scientist salary of $79,591 is 7.2% above the Nevada state average of $74,234. The local cost of living index is 104% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reno, NV? ▼
Reno has a cost of living index of 104% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $79,591 in Reno has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Reno? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Reno 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.