Science & Research Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Environmental Scientist Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median environmental scientist salary in Tacoma, WA is $84,183 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$84,183
vs State Avg
$-3,827
vs National
+$7,653
Cost of Living
110%

Environmental Scientist Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $55,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,000
+$5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,800
+$7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,000
+$12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $52,800
25th Percentile $64,900
Median (50th) $84,183
75th Percentile $108,900
90th Percentile $138,600

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$116,326
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$113,264
Pop. 737,015
Vancouver, WA
$78,061
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$70,408
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Tacoma, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Tacoma, Washington is $84,183 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $52,800 (10th percentile) to $138,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,183, a environmental scientist in Tacoma earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Tacoma's median environmental scientist salary of $84,183 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $88,010. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $84,183 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Tacoma? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Tacoma 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.