Science & Research Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Environmental Scientist Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median environmental scientist salary in Reading, PA is $67,346 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$67,346
vs State Avg
$-6,123
vs National
$-9,184
Cost of Living
88%

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

Reading offers a median environmental scientist salary of $67,346, which is $6,123 below the Pennsylvania state average of $73,469. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $67,346 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Reading spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $110,880 at the 90th percentile — a $68,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,640
$-9,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $51,920
Median (50th) $67,346
75th Percentile $87,120
90th Percentile $110,880

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
Erie, PA
$64,285
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Reading

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Reading

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Reading, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Reading

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $67,346 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $110,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,346, a environmental scientist in Reading earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Reading's median environmental scientist salary of $67,346 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $73,469. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $67,346 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Reading? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Reading 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.