Science & Research Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Environmental Scientist Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median environmental scientist salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $78,061 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 1.9% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$78,061
vs State Avg
$-1,530
vs National
+$1,531
Cost of Living
102%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median environmental scientist salary of $78,061, which is $1,530 below the Virginia state average of $79,591. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach'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 Virginia Beach 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 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
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 Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$101,020
Pop. 238,643
Richmond, VA
$76,530
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$74,999
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$73,469
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Virginia Beach

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia 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 Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,061, a environmental scientist in Virginia Beach earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median environmental scientist salary of $78,061 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $79,591. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $78,061 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Virginia Beach 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.