Science & Research Salt Lake City, UT Pop. 200,133

Environmental Scientist Salary in Salt Lake City, Utah

The median environmental scientist salary in Salt Lake City, UT is $78,061 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 5.2% above the Utah state average.

City Median
$78,061
vs State Avg
+$3,827
vs National
+$1,531
Cost of Living
102%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Salt Lake City: What to Expect (2026)

Salt Lake City offers a median environmental scientist salary of $78,061, which is $3,827 above the Utah state average of $74,234. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Salt Lake City pays above average for this role.

Salt Lake City'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 Salt Lake City 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 200,133, Salt Lake City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Salt Lake City by Experience

In Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City, UT

Percentile Salt Lake City
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 Utah Cities

Provo, UT
$73,469
Pop. 115,162
West Jordan, UT
$73,469
Pop. 116,961
Orem, UT
$72,704
Pop. 97,499
West Valley City, UT
$71,938
Pop. 140,230

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Salt Lake City

Education

Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Salt Lake City and the surrounding Utah 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 Salt Lake City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Salt Lake City

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Salt Lake City, UT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Salt Lake City

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Salt Lake City, UT? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Salt Lake City, Utah 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 Salt Lake City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,061, a environmental scientist in Salt Lake City earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salt Lake City compare to the Utah state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Salt Lake City's median environmental scientist salary of $78,061 is 5.2% above the Utah state average of $74,234. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salt Lake City, UT? ▼
Salt Lake City has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $78,061 in Salt Lake City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Salt Lake City? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Salt Lake City 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.