Science & Research Buffalo, NY Pop. 278,349

Environmental Scientist Salary in Buffalo, New York

The median environmental scientist salary in Buffalo, NY is $70,408 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 24.6% below the New York state average.

City Median
$70,408
vs State Avg
$-22,959
vs National
$-6,122
Cost of Living
92%

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

Buffalo offers a median environmental scientist salary of $70,408, which is $22,959 below the New York state average of $93,367. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Buffalo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Buffalo's cost of living is 92% 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 Buffalo spans from $44,160 at the 10th percentile to $115,920 at the 90th percentile — a $71,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,400. With a population of 278,349, Buffalo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,400
$-9,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Buffalo, NY

Percentile Buffalo
10th Percentile $44,160
25th Percentile $54,280
Median (50th) $70,408
75th Percentile $91,080
90th Percentile $115,920

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other New York Cities

New York City, NY
$143,111
Pop. 8,336,817
Yonkers, NY
$103,316
Pop. 211,569
Albany, NY
$74,999
Pop. 99,224
Rochester, NY
$68,877
Pop. 211,328

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Buffalo

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Buffalo

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Buffalo, NY:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Buffalo, NY? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Buffalo, New York is $70,408 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $44,160 (10th percentile) to $115,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Buffalo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,408, a environmental scientist in Buffalo earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Buffalo's median environmental scientist salary of $70,408 is 24.6% below the New York state average of $93,367. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY? ▼
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $70,408 in Buffalo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Buffalo? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Buffalo 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.