Science & Research Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Environmental Scientist Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median environmental scientist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $78,061 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$78,061
vs State Avg
+$4,592
vs National
+$1,531
Cost of Living
102%

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

Philadelphia offers a median environmental scientist salary of $78,061, which is $4,592 above the Pennsylvania state average of $73,469. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia'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 Philadelphia 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. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
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 Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$71,938
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$71,173
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$67,346
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$64,285
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,061, a environmental scientist in Philadelphia earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median environmental scientist salary of $78,061 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $73,469. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $78,061 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Philadelphia? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Philadelphia 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.