Science & Research Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Environmental Scientist Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median environmental scientist salary in Bellevue, WA is $116,326 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 32.2% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$116,326
vs State Avg
+$28,316
vs National
+$39,796
Cost of Living
152%

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

Bellevue offers a median environmental scientist salary of $116,326, which is $28,316 above the Washington state average of $88,010. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $116,326 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $76,530. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Bellevue spans from $72,960 at the 10th percentile to $191,520 at the 90th percentile — a $118,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $182,400. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $76,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $182,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,000
+$26,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$118,560
+$40,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$182,400
+$62,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $72,960
25th Percentile $89,680
Median (50th) $116,326
75th Percentile $150,480
90th Percentile $191,520

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Bellevue

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Bellevue, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Bellevue, Washington is $116,326 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $72,960 (10th percentile) to $191,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $116,326, a environmental scientist in Bellevue earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Bellevue's median environmental scientist salary of $116,326 is 32.2% above the Washington state average of $88,010. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $116,326 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Bellevue? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Bellevue 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.