Environmental Scientist Salary in Paterson, NJ: $80,357 (2026)

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

Paterson offers a median environmental scientist salary of $80,357, which is $7,653 below the New Jersey state average of $88,010. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% 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 Paterson spans from $50,400 at the 10th percentile to $132,300 at the 90th percentile — a $81,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,500, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $126,000. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $52,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$52,500

+$2,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$81,900

+$3,900 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$126,000

+$6,000 vs national

Percentile	Paterson	NJ State	National
10th Percentile	$50,400	$55,200	$48,000
25th Percentile	$61,950	$67,850	$59,000
Median (50th)	$80,357	$88,010	$76,530
75th Percentile	$103,950	$113,850	$99,000
90th Percentile	$132,300	$144,900	$126,000

Percentile

Paterson

10th Percentile

$50,400

25th Percentile

$61,950

Median (50th)

$80,357

75th Percentile

$103,950

90th Percentile

$132,300

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Paterson

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Paterson

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Paterson, NJ? ▼

The median environmental scientist salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $80,357 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $50,400 (10th percentile) to $132,300 (90th percentile).

How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Paterson? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $80,357, a environmental scientist in Paterson earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼

Paterson's median environmental scientist salary of $80,357 is 8.7% below the New Jersey state average of $88,010. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼

Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $80,357 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Paterson? ▼

Most environmental scientist positions in Paterson 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.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Paterson, New Jersey