Science & Research Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Environmental Scientist Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median environmental scientist salary in Milwaukee, WI is $70,408 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$70,408
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-6,122
Cost of Living
92%

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

Milwaukee offers a median environmental scientist salary of $70,408, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $70,408. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee's cost of living is 92% 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 Milwaukee spans from $44,160 at the 10th percentile to $115,920 at the 90th percentile — a $71,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,400. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,400
$-9,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

Percentile Milwaukee
10th Percentile $44,160
25th Percentile $54,280
Median (50th) $70,408
75th Percentile $91,080
90th Percentile $115,920

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Milwaukee

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Milwaukee, WI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is $70,408 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $44,160 (10th percentile) to $115,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,408, a environmental scientist in Milwaukee earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median environmental scientist salary of $70,408 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $70,408. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $70,408 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Milwaukee? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Milwaukee 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.