Science & Research Norfolk, VA Pop. 238,005

Environmental Scientist Salary in Norfolk, Virginia

The median environmental scientist salary in Norfolk, VA is $73,469 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 7.7% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$73,469
vs State Avg
$-6,122
vs National
$-3,061
Cost of Living
96%

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

Norfolk offers a median environmental scientist salary of $73,469, which is $6,122 below the Virginia state average of $79,591. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Norfolk pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Norfolk's cost of living is 96% 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 Norfolk spans from $46,080 at the 10th percentile to $120,960 at the 90th percentile — a $74,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,200. With a population of 238,005, Norfolk is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Norfolk by Experience

In Norfolk, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $48,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,000
$-2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,880
$-3,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,200
$-4,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Norfolk, VA

Percentile Norfolk
10th Percentile $46,080
25th Percentile $56,640
Median (50th) $73,469
75th Percentile $95,040
90th Percentile $120,960

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$101,020
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$78,061
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$76,530
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$74,999
Pop. 249,422

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Norfolk

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Norfolk

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Norfolk, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Norfolk

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Norfolk, VA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Norfolk, Virginia is $73,469 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $46,080 (10th percentile) to $120,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Norfolk? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,469, a environmental scientist in Norfolk earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Norfolk compare to the Virginia state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Norfolk's median environmental scientist salary of $73,469 is 7.7% below the Virginia state average of $79,591. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk, VA? ▼
Norfolk has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $73,469 in Norfolk has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Norfolk? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Norfolk 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.