Science & Research Vancouver, WA Pop. 190,915

Environmental Scientist Salary in Vancouver, Washington

The median environmental scientist salary in Vancouver, WA is $78,061 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 11.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$78,061
vs State Avg
$-9,949
vs National
+$1,531
Cost of Living
102%

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

Vancouver offers a median environmental scientist salary of $78,061, which is $9,949 below the Washington state average of $88,010. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Vancouver pays above average for this role.

Vancouver'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 Vancouver 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 190,915, Vancouver is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Vancouver by Experience

In Vancouver, 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 Vancouver, WA

Percentile Vancouver
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 Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$116,326
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$113,264
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$84,183
Pop. 219,346
Spokane, WA
$70,408
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Vancouver

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Vancouver

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Vancouver, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Vancouver

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Vancouver, WA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Vancouver, Washington 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 Vancouver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,061, a environmental scientist in Vancouver earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Vancouver compare to the Washington state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Vancouver's median environmental scientist salary of $78,061 is 11.3% below the Washington state average of $88,010. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Vancouver, WA? ▼
Vancouver has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $78,061 in Vancouver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Vancouver? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Vancouver 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.