Environmental scientist salary
BLS occupation: Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health · Science · data for May 2025
Median salary $82,220 a year, US
Median hourly pay $39.53 an hour
Middle half earn $64,490–$107,970 25th to 75th percentile
Environmental scientists employed 89,250 +6.1% projected by 2035
How much does an environmental scientist make?
- The median environmental scientist salary in the US is $82,220 a year ($39.53 an hour): half of the 89,250 environmental scientists BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $91,680.
- The middle half earn between $64,490 and $107,970. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $52,520 and the top 10% more than $140,010.
- That is 61% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- The District of Columbia pays environmental scientists the most (median $132,620), followed by California ($106,510) and Rhode Island ($100,730). Arkansas pays the least ($57,220).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia, where the median is worth $120,672 in typical US prices, then Rhode Island and California.
- In 197 of the 256 metro areas with data, the median environmental scientist salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of environmental scientists to grow 6.1% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 7,300 openings a year. The typical entry education is a bachelor's degree.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what environmental scientists are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Environmental scientist salary range
Half of environmental scientists earn between $64,490 and $107,970 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $52,520
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $64,490
Median Yearly pay: $82,220
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $107,970
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $140,010
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $52,520 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $64,490 |
| Median | $82,220 |
| Top 25% earn over | $107,970 |
| Top 10% earn over | $140,010 |
Environmental scientist salary by state
The District of Columbia pays environmental scientists the most; Arkansas the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($82,220), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $132,620 median |
| California | $106,510 median |
| Rhode Island | $100,730 median |
| Massachusetts | $100,640 median |
| Washington | $98,300 median |
| Oregon | $97,440 median |
| Texas | $92,000 median |
| Alaska | $91,960 median |
| Utah | $90,710 median |
| Minnesota | $88,000 median |
| New Mexico | $86,630 median |
| Colorado | $85,990 median |
| Georgia | $85,710 median |
| North Dakota | $84,570 median |
| Maryland | $84,190 median |
| Nevada | $83,050 median |
| Virginia | $82,230 median |
| New York | $82,160 median |
| West Virginia | $82,100 median |
| Connecticut | $82,070 median |
| Illinois | $81,590 median |
| New Hampshire | $80,810 median |
| Arizona | $80,600 median |
| Montana | $80,260 median |
| Hawaii | $79,510 median |
| New Jersey | $79,210 median |
| Iowa | $78,780 median |
| Ohio | $78,540 median |
| Kansas | $78,210 median |
| Vermont | $77,460 median |
| Tennessee | $76,840 median |
| Pennsylvania | $76,110 median |
| Michigan | $76,080 median |
| Oklahoma | $75,910 median |
| South Carolina | $74,910 median |
| North Carolina | $74,130 median |
| Wyoming | $74,050 median |
| Wisconsin | $72,820 median |
| Alabama | $72,490 median |
| Kentucky | $71,040 median |
| Idaho | $70,350 median |
| Louisiana | $69,820 median |
| South Dakota | $68,230 median |
| Maine | $66,480 median |
| Indiana | $64,700 median |
| Delaware | $64,690 median |
| Nebraska | $64,040 median |
| Missouri | $61,050 median |
| Florida | $60,830 median |
| Mississippi | $57,780 median |
| Arkansas | $57,220 median |
Where environmental scientist pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Environmental scientists' pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $120,672 |
| Rhode Island | $98,485 |
| California | $96,198 |
| Massachusetts | $95,162 |
| North Dakota | $95,066 |
| Texas | $94,790 |
| Oregon | $94,272 |
| New Mexico | $93,947 |
| Washington | $91,858 |
| Utah | $91,752 |
Environmental scientist pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $132,620 | $63.76 | $78,270 | $185,220 | 1,270 | $120,672 |
| California | $106,510 | $51.21 | $65,350 | $161,910 | 12,490 | $96,198 |
| Rhode Island | $100,730 | $48.43 | $66,420 | $139,050 | 330 | $98,485 |
| Massachusetts | $100,640 | $48.38 | $63,460 | $139,310 | 2,930 | $95,162 |
| Washington | $98,300 | $47.26 | $71,140 | $153,960 | 4,470 | $91,858 |
| Oregon | $97,440 | $46.85 | $62,200 | $132,190 | 1,370 | $94,272 |
| Texas | $92,000 | $44.23 | $60,080 | $163,110 | 5,630 | $94,790 |
| Alaska | $91,960 | $44.21 | $61,840 | $147,910 | 860 | $89,841 |
| Utah | $90,710 | $43.61 | $55,410 | $149,990 | 1,020 | $91,752 |
| Minnesota | $88,000 | $42.31 | $35,510 | $133,570 | 2,260 | $89,230 |
| New Mexico | $86,630 | $41.65 | $60,920 | $129,080 | 940 | $93,947 |
| Colorado | $85,990 | $41.34 | $65,260 | $140,340 | 2,580 | $83,443 |
| Georgia | $85,710 | $41.21 | $56,470 | $162,410 | 1,750 | $89,010 |
| North Dakota | $84,570 | $40.66 | $60,110 | $109,300 | 240 | $95,066 |
| Maryland | $84,190 | $40.48 | $57,840 | $137,440 | 1,760 | $80,212 |
| Nevada | $83,050 | $39.93 | $57,570 | $138,740 | 490 | $83,067 |
| Virginia | $82,230 | $39.53 | $57,720 | $135,580 | 2,850 | $81,332 |
| New York | $82,160 | $39.50 | $58,240 | $139,490 | 3,700 | $76,130 |
| West Virginia | $82,100 | $39.47 | $51,520 | $119,020 | 250 | $91,735 |
| Connecticut | $82,070 | $39.46 | $60,820 | $130,620 | 620 | $79,211 |
| Illinois | $81,590 | $39.23 | $46,540 | $153,150 | 1,550 | $81,624 |
| New Hampshire | $80,810 | $38.85 | $59,230 | $111,840 | 480 | $77,579 |
| Arizona | $80,600 | $38.75 | $57,100 | $160,910 | 1,970 | $80,058 |
| Montana | $80,260 | $38.59 | $64,290 | $124,800 | 570 | $84,801 |
| Hawaii | $79,510 | $38.23 | $53,500 | $111,700 | 670 | $72,314 |
| New Jersey | $79,210 | $38.08 | $52,760 | $130,590 | 3,150 | $72,800 |
| Iowa | $78,780 | $37.88 | $54,340 | $117,040 | 690 | $89,766 |
| Ohio | $78,540 | $37.76 | $50,610 | $109,490 | 2,460 | $84,657 |
| Kansas | $78,210 | $37.60 | $56,120 | $136,990 | 590 | $86,834 |
| Vermont | $77,460 | $37.24 | $58,570 | $111,700 | 490 | $79,075 |
| Tennessee | $76,840 | $36.94 | $54,040 | $133,180 | 1,230 | $83,640 |
| Pennsylvania | $76,110 | $36.59 | $50,660 | $125,520 | 3,020 | $78,004 |
| Michigan | $76,080 | $36.58 | $52,300 | $111,770 | 3,100 | $79,071 |
| Oklahoma | $75,910 | $36.50 | $43,590 | $119,150 | 520 | $86,416 |
| South Carolina | $74,910 | $36.01 | $46,200 | $133,470 | 490 | $79,905 |
| North Carolina | $74,130 | $35.64 | $49,320 | $125,930 | 4,150 | $78,589 |
| Wyoming | $74,050 | $35.60 | $58,510 | $100,670 | 410 | $79,889 |
| Wisconsin | $72,820 | $35.01 | $48,580 | $104,360 | 920 | $77,390 |
| Alabama | $72,490 | $34.85 | $41,260 | $114,900 | 870 | $81,612 |
| Kentucky | $71,040 | $34.15 | $48,540 | $94,840 | 1,000 | $78,794 |
| Idaho | $70,350 | $33.82 | $53,360 | $108,100 | 670 | $73,670 |
| Louisiana | $69,820 | $33.57 | $49,890 | $132,810 | 1,600 | $79,155 |
| South Dakota | $68,230 | $32.80 | $49,390 | $97,060 | 240 | $77,021 |
| Maine | $66,480 | $31.96 | $49,280 | $107,100 | 530 | $68,501 |
| Indiana | $64,700 | $31.11 | $46,830 | $124,380 | 1,290 | $69,325 |
| Delaware | $64,690 | $31.10 | $50,220 | $106,060 | 290 | $64,814 |
| Nebraska | $64,040 | $30.79 | $52,110 | $101,190 | 510 | $71,074 |
| Missouri | $61,050 | $29.35 | $49,140 | $88,710 | 1,380 | $67,223 |
| Florida | $60,830 | $29.25 | $42,600 | $109,290 | 5,950 | $58,822 |
| Mississippi | $57,780 | $27.78 | $37,230 | $112,260 | 390 | $66,450 |
| Arkansas | $57,220 | $27.51 | $35,580 | $122,270 | 270 | $65,818 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Environmental scientist salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes environmental scientist pay: 258 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- Kennewick, WA $129,110
- San Francisco, CA $127,210
- Monroe, MI $114,160
- Oxnard, CA $110,260
- Napa, CA $109,710
- Santa Rosa, CA $109,710
- Sacramento, CA $108,430
- Washington, DC $108,160
- Redding, CA $106,510
- San Jose, CA $106,510
Where the pay goes furthest
- Kennewick, WA $129,008
- Monroe, MI $122,107
- San Francisco, CA $110,031
- Springfield, MA $108,192
- Beaumont, TX $106,723
- Redding, CA $105,786
- Rochester, MN $104,139
- Columbus, GA $103,219
- Yuba City, CA $102,185
- Santa Rosa, CA $101,787
All 258 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennewick, WA | $129,110 | 300 | $129,008 | 16% |
| San Francisco, CA | $127,210 | 1,320 | $110,031 | 32% |
| Monroe, MI | $114,160 | 80 | $122,107 | 13% |
| Oxnard, CA | $110,260 | 170 | $99,752 | 32% |
| Napa, CA | $109,710 | 40 | $97,473 | 32% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $109,710 | 190 | $101,787 | 29% |
| Sacramento, CA | $108,430 | 3,520 | $101,650 | 25% |
| Washington, DC | $108,160 | 2,710 | $99,335 | 27% |
| Redding, CA | $106,510 | 130 | $105,786 | 19% |
| San Jose, CA | $106,510 | 340 | $96,456 | 43% |
| Yuba City, CA | $106,510 | 60 | $102,185 | 23% |
| San Diego, CA | $106,100 | 1,140 | $94,828 | 34% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $105,810 | 210 | $97,435 | 32% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $105,340 | 2,520 | $92,757 | 33% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $105,230 | 130 | $96,721 | 37% |
| Riverside, CA | $104,110 | 670 | $97,809 | 29% |
| Springfield, MA | $103,930 | 120 | $108,192 | 23% |
| Modesto, CA | $103,840 | 40 | $99,743 | 24% |
| Worcester, MA | $103,730 | 200 | $101,177 | 24% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $103,610 | 90 | $94,280 | 40% |
| Seattle, WA | $102,980 | 2,490 | $92,664 | 26% |
| Stockton, CA | $102,850 | 160 | $97,869 | 28% |
| Salinas, CA | $101,560 | 90 | $93,138 | 33% |
| Boston, MA | $100,360 | 2,270 | $92,698 | 36% |
| Eugene, OR | $98,050 | 80 | $96,536 | 22% |
| Portland, OR | $98,050 | 1,040 | $93,008 | 22% |
| Salem, OR | $98,050 | 80 | $94,598 | 20% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $97,860 | 1,370 | $93,358 | 21% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $97,460 | 150 | $96,776 | 22% |
| Providence, RI | $97,330 | 400 | $95,634 | 27% |
| Fresno, CA | $97,040 | 380 | $94,990 | 25% |
| Bremerton, WA | $96,780 | 150 | $91,642 | 25% |
| Barnstable, MA | $96,630 | 100 | $98,250 | 32% |
| Beaumont, TX | $96,100 | 120 | $106,723 | 16% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $96,030 | 140 | $94,959 | 25% |
| Denver, CO | $95,780 | 1,280 | $90,545 | 24% |
| Vallejo, CA | $95,750 | 110 | $88,266 | 31% |
| El Centro, CA | $95,630 | 40 | $100,479 | 23% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $95,200 | 750 | $94,381 | 21% |
| Houston, TX | $95,170 | 1,840 | $96,493 | 21% |
| Rochester, MN | $94,580 | 50 | $104,139 | 20% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $94,030 | 40 | $95,700 | 24% |
| Springfield, IL | $93,590 | 250 | $100,911 | 15% |
| Bend, OR | $93,560 | 70 | $90,303 | 28% |
| Austin, TX | $93,070 | 960 | $94,905 | 21% |
| San Antonio, TX | $92,350 | 370 | $97,502 | 18% |
| Columbus, GA | $92,170 | 40 | $103,219 | 18% |
| Jackson, MI | $91,640 | 60 | $99,849 | 16% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $91,560 | 40 | $101,125 | 15% |
| Chico, CA | $91,210 | 60 | $90,131 | 20% |
| Anchorage, AK | $90,960 | 500 | $86,283 | 25% |
| Augusta, GA | $90,340 | 60 | $98,299 | 19% |
| Greeley, CO | $89,840 | 60 | $89,682 | 23% |
| Tyler, TX | $89,500 | 40 | $97,118 | 18% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $89,220 | 70 | $87,092 | 29% |
| Burlington, VT | $89,090 | 160 | $88,252 | 35% |
| Billings, MT | $89,010 | 50 | $95,171 | 19% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $88,640 | 130 | $85,885 | 25% |
| Killeen, TX | $88,610 | 50 | $97,233 | 18% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $88,510 | 30 | $93,065 | 24% |
| Dalton, GA | $88,370 | 40 | $98,359 | 19% |
| El Paso, TX | $87,930 | 80 | $97,796 | 21% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $87,920 | 130 | $89,018 | 27% |
| Atlanta, GA | $87,820 | 1,160 | $87,769 | 25% |
| Bismarck, ND | $87,350 | 120 | $95,964 | 18% |
| Bellingham, WA | $87,270 | 110 | $84,454 | 27% |
| Davenport, IA | $87,270 | 60 | $97,969 | 14% |
| College Station, TX | $87,220 | 40 | $95,898 | 21% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $86,800 | 50 | $97,569 | 17% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $86,700 | 40 | $81,131 | 40% |
| Olympia, WA | $86,700 | 500 | $83,631 | 28% |
| Spokane, WA | $86,700 | 170 | $86,401 | 21% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $86,630 | 40 | $96,029 | 20% |
| Manchester, NH | $86,380 | 110 | $81,755 | 30% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $86,200 | 70 | $85,991 | – |
| Ogden, UT | $86,180 | 90 | $85,880 | 23% |
| New York, NY | $85,510 | 3,350 | $75,966 | 50% |
| Chicago, IL | $85,310 | 990 | $82,350 | 30% |
| Columbia, SC | $85,300 | 100 | $91,072 | 22% |
| Dallas, TX | $85,210 | 1,270 | $82,656 | 23% |
| Lansing, MI | $85,180 | 580 | $89,672 | 18% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $84,890 | 70 | $77,580 | 32% |
| Waco, TX | $84,670 | – | $91,486 | 20% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $84,670 | 50 | $90,277 | 21% |
| Yuma, AZ | $83,780 | 40 | $90,372 | 20% |
| Baltimore, MD | $83,720 | 1,030 | $80,125 | 28% |
| Corvallis, OR | $83,210 | 60 | $79,997 | 26% |
| Decatur, AL | $83,120 | 40 | $95,308 | 16% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $82,900 | 90 | $83,859 | 30% |
| Durham, NC | $82,840 | 430 | $84,901 | 24% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $82,760 | 400 | $86,618 | 22% |
| Watertown, NY | $82,640 | 30 | $94,241 | 22% |
| Kingston, NY | $82,610 | 50 | $82,028 | 29% |
| Hartford, CT | $82,370 | 410 | $80,169 | 29% |
| Columbus, OH | $82,350 | 870 | $86,258 | 22% |
| Mankato, MN | $82,350 | 40 | $90,539 | 18% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $82,220 | 270 | $83,345 | 22% |
| Huntington, WV | $82,100 | 40 | $92,850 | 16% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $82,060 | 250 | $81,344 | 28% |
| Duluth, MN | $82,050 | 140 | $92,432 | 19% |
| Helena, MT | $81,940 | 210 | $85,644 | 24% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $81,600 | 180 | $81,425 | 25% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $81,520 | 30 | $80,905 | 30% |
| Raleigh, NC | $81,400 | 1,120 | $82,928 | 25% |
| Dayton, OH | $81,350 | 140 | $87,762 | 19% |
| New Haven, CT | $81,340 | 70 | $77,793 | 30% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $81,330 | 50 | $81,067 | 31% |
| Des Moines, IA | $81,220 | 240 | $88,570 | 19% |
| Charleston, SC | $81,190 | 100 | $80,416 | 30% |
| Wichita, KS | $81,180 | 80 | $91,269 | 18% |
| Medford, OR | $81,070 | 30 | $79,925 | 27% |
| Toledo, OH | $81,070 | 190 | $88,645 | 19% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $80,900 | 30 | $77,897 | 26% |
| Logan, UT | $80,700 | 40 | $84,126 | 21% |
| Tulsa, OK | $80,700 | 150 | $90,457 | 20% |
| Kansas City, MO | $80,690 | 580 | $87,192 | 23% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $80,640 | 220 | $79,932 | 27% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $80,600 | 1,430 | $78,013 | 26% |
| Midland, TX | $80,450 | 70 | $83,992 | 23% |
| Visalia, CA | $80,360 | 50 | $80,501 | 26% |
| Richmond, VA | $80,350 | 780 | $82,109 | 25% |
| Bozeman, MT | $80,260 | 70 | $78,295 | 33% |
| Honolulu, HI | $79,510 | 570 | $71,656 | 46% |
| Albany, NY | $79,480 | 600 | $79,826 | 26% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $79,060 | 280 | $82,745 | 24% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $79,040 | 40 | $82,785 | 26% |
| Provo, UT | $79,010 | 70 | $80,432 | 27% |
| Ithaca, NY | $78,790 | 50 | $76,260 | 30% |
| Iowa City, IA | $78,780 | 70 | $86,090 | 27% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $78,770 | 110 | $85,000 | 22% |
| Scranton, PA | $78,690 | 70 | $84,110 | 21% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $78,600 | 420 | $80,252 | 29% |
| Memphis, TN | $78,320 | 130 | $84,965 | 21% |
| Utica, NY | $78,170 | 30 | $84,346 | 22% |
| Huntsville, AL | $78,110 | 100 | $83,924 | 21% |
| Trenton, NJ | $78,010 | 950 | $75,606 | 39% |
| Missoula, MT | $77,940 | 90 | $80,813 | 25% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $77,850 | 60 | $78,521 | 31% |
| Nashville, TN | $77,800 | 530 | $80,757 | 28% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $77,710 | 1,500 | $75,775 | 29% |
| Syracuse, NY | $77,450 | 280 | $80,894 | 25% |
| Bay City, MI | $77,440 | 40 | $84,246 | 16% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $77,400 | 210 | $85,612 | 21% |
| The Villages, FL | $77,280 | 40 | $90,466 | 27% |
| Fargo, ND | $77,240 | 40 | $85,000 | 17% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $77,130 | 650 | $80,599 | 24% |
| Salisbury, MD | $77,000 | 40 | $80,530 | 30% |
| Kingsport, TN | $76,900 | 90 | $88,956 | 21% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $76,840 | 90 | $84,011 | 24% |
| Buffalo, NY | $76,700 | 250 | $80,026 | 23% |
| Yakima, WA | $76,560 | 130 | $80,130 | 21% |
| Madison, WI | $76,520 | 230 | $78,654 | 28% |
| York, PA | $76,500 | 90 | $79,688 | 22% |
| Binghamton, NY | $76,460 | 30 | $82,336 | 25% |
| Longview, TX | $76,460 | 60 | $85,444 | 18% |
| McAllen, TX | $76,400 | 40 | $88,946 | 18% |
| Shreveport, LA | $76,400 | 50 | $90,130 | 20% |
| Tucson, AZ | $76,330 | 240 | $78,775 | 23% |
| Reno, NV | $76,320 | 100 | $75,554 | 33% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $76,280 | 170 | $78,690 | 24% |
| Athens, GA | $76,200 | 40 | $81,634 | 28% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $75,890 | 50 | $82,413 | 25% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $75,500 | 40 | $83,305 | 20% |
| Boise, ID | $75,440 | 330 | $76,674 | 31% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $75,430 | 160 | $78,173 | 24% |
| New Orleans, LA | $75,430 | 340 | $81,461 | 25% |
| Knoxville, TN | $75,420 | 250 | $81,474 | 27% |
| Allentown, PA | $75,400 | 100 | $75,424 | 29% |
| Johnson City, TN | $75,400 | 50 | $85,752 | 24% |
| Manhattan, KS | $75,360 | 40 | $83,583 | 20% |
| Portland, ME | $75,340 | 180 | $73,966 | 37% |
| Roanoke, VA | $75,330 | 140 | $80,465 | 22% |
| Rochester, NY | $75,160 | 250 | $77,457 | 24% |
| La Crosse, WI | $74,990 | 30 | $81,716 | 22% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $74,450 | 60 | $78,458 | 27% |
| Detroit, MI | $74,300 | 860 | $74,079 | 24% |
| Mobile, AL | $74,260 | 60 | $84,292 | 21% |
| Waterbury, CT | $74,240 | 50 | $74,405 | – |
| Charleston, WV | $74,090 | 60 | $83,513 | 20% |
| Casper, WY | $74,060 | 30 | $78,931 | 23% |
| Lexington, KY | $73,980 | 50 | $79,643 | 26% |
| Traverse City, MI | $73,500 | 40 | $78,717 | 30% |
| Asheville, NC | $72,960 | 190 | $75,602 | 28% |
| Charlotte, NC | $72,730 | 740 | $74,711 | 29% |
| Akron, OH | $72,530 | 340 | $77,680 | 22% |
| Birmingham, AL | $72,510 | 130 | $79,121 | 23% |
| Lubbock, TX | $72,400 | 50 | $79,284 | 22% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $72,360 | 50 | $76,643 | 24% |
| Crestview, FL | $72,340 | 70 | $74,553 | 33% |
| Pocatello, ID | $72,160 | 30 | $81,164 | 18% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $71,760 | 30 | $77,331 | 19% |
| Louisville, KY | $71,040 | 100 | $76,326 | 23% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $70,820 | 40 | $76,389 | 28% |
| Lafayette, LA | $70,070 | 80 | $80,347 | 24% |
| Hickory, NC | $69,930 | 40 | $79,029 | 27% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $69,560 | 790 | $76,625 | 24% |
| Green Bay, WI | $69,470 | 80 | $74,630 | 19% |
| Greensboro, NC | $69,450 | 200 | $74,786 | 24% |
| Miami, FL | $68,920 | 1,080 | $60,374 | 46% |
| Montgomery, AL | $68,850 | 290 | $76,771 | 24% |
| Jackson, TN | $68,390 | 60 | $79,968 | 24% |
| Rapid City, SD | $68,260 | 50 | $76,559 | 26% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $67,920 | 60 | $79,113 | 24% |
| Monroe, LA | $67,800 | 50 | $81,103 | 21% |
| Altoona, PA | $67,410 | 70 | $75,313 | 18% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $67,380 | 300 | $70,651 | 27% |
| Canton, OH | $67,220 | 30 | $75,185 | 20% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $67,030 | 170 | $72,825 | 27% |
| Cleveland, OH | $66,890 | 250 | $71,218 | 26% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $66,810 | 50 | $67,970 | 33% |
| Reading, PA | $66,730 | 50 | $68,751 | 28% |
| Lancaster, PA | $66,310 | 80 | $67,486 | 29% |
| Appleton, WI | $66,300 | 40 | $71,738 | 22% |
| Omaha, NE | $65,790 | 140 | $71,580 | 25% |
| Panama City, FL | $65,450 | 50 | $67,269 | 32% |
| Champaign, IL | $65,360 | 90 | $70,504 | 25% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $65,360 | 540 | $69,039 | 27% |
| Wilmington, NC | $65,360 | 260 | $67,785 | 32% |
| Boulder, CO | $65,260 | 770 | $62,033 | 40% |
| Bloomington, IN | $65,180 | 30 | $68,550 | 32% |
| Little Rock, AR | $65,010 | 100 | $72,747 | 23% |
| Amarillo, TX | $64,970 | 30 | $70,758 | 24% |
| Orlando, FL | $64,840 | 650 | $63,933 | 36% |
| Evansville, IN | $64,700 | 60 | $70,689 | 20% |
| Naples, FL | $64,640 | 70 | $62,636 | 48% |
| Gulfport, MS | $64,600 | 70 | $71,773 | 26% |
| Greenville, SC | $64,520 | 100 | $69,183 | 29% |
| Lincoln, NE | $64,450 | 290 | $70,375 | 24% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $63,750 | 220 | $63,747 | 36% |
| North Port, FL | $63,220 | 200 | $61,728 | 40% |
| Tampa, FL | $62,680 | 880 | $62,127 | 38% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $61,940 | 100 | $67,342 | 28% |
| Lewiston, ID | $61,880 | 40 | $67,881 | 29% |
| Topeka, KS | $61,880 | 150 | $69,669 | 24% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $61,690 | 60 | $67,529 | 31% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $61,090 | 40 | $65,992 | 25% |
| St. Louis, MO | $61,050 | 500 | $64,204 | 28% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $60,850 | 250 | $59,453 | 36% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $60,380 | 550 | $60,693 | 33% |
| Bangor, ME | $60,110 | 50 | $62,285 | 30% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $59,760 | 280 | $67,928 | 20% |
| Daphne, AL | $59,560 | 40 | $62,900 | 34% |
| Dover, DE | $59,370 | 150 | $60,888 | 36% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $59,100 | 40 | $58,791 | 38% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $58,970 | – | $62,178 | 26% |
| Springfield, MO | $58,660 | 80 | $66,219 | 26% |
| South Bend, IN | $58,570 | 90 | $63,075 | 26% |
| Flint, MI | $58,350 | – | $62,719 | 21% |
| Jackson, MS | $57,990 | 140 | $65,122 | 30% |
| Deltona, FL | $57,620 | 140 | $57,987 | 37% |
| Lakeland, FL | $57,010 | 130 | $58,688 | 38% |
| Gainesville, FL | $55,910 | 170 | $57,798 | 35% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $55,330 | 130 | $55,204 | 50% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $53,910 | 650 | $57,401 | 33% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $52,690 | 30 | $60,126 | 30% |
| Pensacola, FL | $51,500 | 180 | $52,703 | 40% |
| Sebastian, FL | $51,290 | 30 | $52,173 | 50% |
| Erie, PA | $50,810 | 40 | $55,866 | 27% |
What the median environmental scientist salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $82,220 |
| Month | $6,852 |
| Every two weeks | $3,162 |
| Week | $1,581 |
| Hour | $39.53 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming an environmental scientist: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +6.1% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 7,300 |
| Self-employed | % |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical psychologist | $100,580 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Epidemiologist | $87,220 | Master's degree |
| Geologist | $101,920 | Bachelor's degree |
| Forensic science technician | $72,060 | Bachelor's degree |
| Economist | $124,720 | Master's degree |
| School psychologist | $95,990 | Master's degree |
| Nuclear technician | $110,240 | Associate's degree |
Questions about environmental scientist pay
How much does an environmental scientist make an hour?
The median is $39.53 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $25.25 and the top 10% over $67.31.
How much does an environmental scientist make a month?
About $6,852 a month before taxes at the median salary of $82,220, or $3,162 every two weeks.
What state pays environmental scientists the most?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $132,620. California ($106,510), Rhode Island ($100,730), Massachusetts ($100,640) and Washington ($98,300) follow.
Where do environmental scientists make the most after cost of living?
The District of Columbia: its median of $132,620 is worth $120,672 at typical US prices. Rhode Island, California and Massachusetts come next.
How much do entry-level environmental scientists make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of environmental scientists earn under $52,520 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $64,490, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become an environmental scientist?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 19-2041 (Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.