Environmental Scientist Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina
The median environmental scientist salary in Raleigh, NC is $74,999 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.
Environmental Scientist Pay in Raleigh: What to Expect (2026)
Raleigh offers a median environmental scientist salary of $74,999, which is $4,591 above the North Carolina state average of $70,408. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Raleigh's cost of living is 98% 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 Raleigh spans from $47,040 at the 10th percentile to $123,480 at the 90th percentile — a $76,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,600. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Environmental Scientist Salary in Raleigh by Experience
In Raleigh, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $49,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC
| Percentile | Raleigh |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $47,040 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,820 |
| Median (50th) | $74,999 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,020 |
| 90th Percentile | $123,480 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Raleigh
Education
Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Raleigh
Browse open environmental scientist positions in Raleigh, NC: