Science & Research Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Environmental Scientist Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median environmental scientist salary in Salem, OR is $78,061 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$78,061
vs State Avg
$-6,122
vs National
+$1,531
Cost of Living
102%

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

Salem offers a median environmental scientist salary of $78,061, which is $6,122 below the Oregon state average of $84,183. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Salem pays above average for this role.

Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $48,960 at the 10th percentile to $128,520 at the 90th percentile — a $79,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $122,400. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $51,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,000
+$1,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,560
+$1,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$122,400
+$2,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $48,960
25th Percentile $60,180
Median (50th) $78,061
75th Percentile $100,980
90th Percentile $128,520

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
Eugene, OR
$80,357
Pop. 176,654

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Salem

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Salem

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Salem, OR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Salem

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Salem, Oregon is $78,061 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $48,960 (10th percentile) to $128,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,061, a environmental scientist in Salem earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Salem's median environmental scientist salary of $78,061 is 7.3% below the Oregon state average of $84,183. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $78,061 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Salem? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Salem 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.