As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for an Environmental Scientist in the United States is $89,436 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, an Environmental Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Environmental Scientist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Environmental Scientist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $76,724 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $89,657 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $105,744 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $129,316 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $157,942 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Environmental Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.16% |
| Microsoft Office | 2.05% |
| Design Engineering | 1.71% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Consulting
|
$93,014 |
4%
|
|
Environmental Consulting
|
$93,014 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$93,014 |
4%
|
|
Project Management
|
$93,014 |
4%
|
|
Regulatory Compliance
|
$93,014 |
4%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$92,119 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Environmental Scientists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Environmental Scientist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $90,576 and $96,172).
Environmental Scientist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 36.0% |
| Associates | 0.6% |
| Bachelors | 36.0% |
| Masters | 53.1% |
| Doctorate | 10.3% |
Understanding how an Environmental Scientist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Salaries for an Environmental Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $79,116 in 2023 to around $78,892 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Environmental Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $79,116 |
| 2024 | $79,681 |
| 2025 | $78,892 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Environmental Scientist and their salaries, click below for more details.
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