Science & Research Eugene, OR Pop. 176,654

Environmental Scientist Salary in Eugene, Oregon

The median environmental scientist salary in Eugene, OR is $80,357 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 4.5% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$80,357
vs State Avg
$-3,826
vs National
+$3,827
Cost of Living
105%

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

Eugene offers a median environmental scientist salary of $80,357, which is $3,826 below the Oregon state average of $84,183. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Eugene pays above average for this role.

Eugene'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 Eugene 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 176,654, Eugene is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Eugene by Experience

In Eugene, 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

Salary Percentiles in Eugene, OR

Percentile Eugene
10th Percentile $50,400
25th Percentile $61,950
Median (50th) $80,357
75th Percentile $103,950
90th Percentile $132,300

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Portland, OR
$90,305
Pop. 652,503
Hillsboro, OR
$85,714
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$82,652
Pop. 113,103
Salem, OR
$78,061
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Eugene

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Eugene

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Eugene, OR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Eugene

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Eugene, OR? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Eugene, Oregon 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 Eugene? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,357, a environmental scientist in Eugene earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Eugene compare to the Oregon state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Eugene's median environmental scientist salary of $80,357 is 4.5% below the Oregon state average of $84,183. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Eugene, OR? ▼
Eugene has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $80,357 in Eugene has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Eugene? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Eugene 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.