Science & Research Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

Environmental Scientist Salary in Washington

The median environmental scientist salary in Washington is $88,010 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $76,530.

Median Salary
$88,010
vs National
+$11,480
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Environmental Scientist Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $57,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $138,000 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,500
+$7,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,700
+$11,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$138,000
+$18,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $55,200
25th Percentile $67,850
Median (50th) $88,010
75th Percentile $113,850
90th Percentile $144,900

Environmental Scientist Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for environmental scientists in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Seattle, WA
$113,264
Pop. 737,015 · COL 148%
Spokane, WA
$70,408
Pop. 228,989 · COL 92%
Tacoma, WA
$84,183
Pop. 219,346 · COL 110%
Bellevue, WA
$116,326
Pop. 151,854 · COL 152%
Vancouver, WA
$78,061
Pop. 190,915 · COL 102%

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Washington

Education

Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Washington has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook in Washington

Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Washington's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Washington

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Washington:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Washington

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Washington? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Washington is $88,010 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $55,200 (10th percentile) to $144,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,010, a environmental scientist in Washington earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for environmental scientists? ▼
Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for environmental scientist pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level environmental scientists earn $57,500, while senior professionals earn $138,000.
How does Washington compare to other states for environmental scientist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for environmental scientists is Hawaii at $130,101. Washington's median of $88,010 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($93,367) and New Jersey ($88,010).
What is the entry-level environmental scientist salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level environmental scientist in Washington earns approximately $57,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $89,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $138,000.
What city in Washington pays environmental scientists the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for environmental scientists, with a median salary of $116,326. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.