Science & Research Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Environmental Scientist Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median environmental scientist salary in Erie, PA is $64,285 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$64,285
vs State Avg
$-9,184
vs National
$-12,245
Cost of Living
84%

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

Erie offers a median environmental scientist salary of $64,285, which is $9,184 below the Pennsylvania state average of $73,469. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $64,285 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Erie spans from $40,320 at the 10th percentile to $105,840 at the 90th percentile — a $65,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,800. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,520
$-12,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,800
$-19,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $40,320
25th Percentile $49,560
Median (50th) $64,285
75th Percentile $83,160
90th Percentile $105,840

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$78,061
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$71,938
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$71,173
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$67,346
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Erie

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Erie

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Erie, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Erie

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $64,285 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $40,320 (10th percentile) to $105,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,285, a environmental scientist in Erie earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Erie's median environmental scientist salary of $64,285 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $73,469. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $64,285 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Erie? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Erie 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.