Science & Research Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Environmental Scientist Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median environmental scientist salary in Durham, NC is $72,704 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$72,704
vs State Avg
+$2,296
vs National
$-3,826
Cost of Living
95%

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

Durham offers a median environmental scientist salary of $72,704, which is $2,296 above the North Carolina state average of $70,408. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham spans from $45,600 at the 10th percentile to $119,700 at the 90th percentile — a $74,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,500, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,000. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $47,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,500
$-2,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,100
$-3,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,000
$-6,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $45,600
25th Percentile $56,050
Median (50th) $72,704
75th Percentile $94,050
90th Percentile $119,700

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$74,999
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$74,999
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$67,346
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$65,816
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Durham

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Durham

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Durham, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Durham

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Durham, North Carolina is $72,704 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $45,600 (10th percentile) to $119,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,704, a environmental scientist in Durham earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Durham's median environmental scientist salary of $72,704 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $70,408. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $72,704 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Durham? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Durham 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.