Environmental Scientist Salary in 2026
Environmental scientists study the environment and develop solutions for environmental problems like pollution, climate change, and resource management. They conduct field studies and analyze data.
Median Salary
$78,000
$6,500/mo
Entry Level
$51,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$95,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Environmental Scientist Overview
Environmental scientists study the environment and develop solutions for environmental problems like pollution, climate change, and resource management. They conduct field studies and analyze data.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
90K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$37.50/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,500
Environmental Scientist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Environmental Scientist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Environmental Scientist Salary
$80,000
$6,667/month · $3,077/biweekly · $38.46/hr
Environmental Scientist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Environmental Scientist field.
Entry-level Environmental Scientists earn around $51,000, while the top 10% earn $109,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Environmental Scientists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $92,000 | +$14,000 |
| New York | $90,000 | +$12,000 |
| Colorado | $82,000 | +$4,000 |
| Texas | $76,000 | $-2,000 |
| Florida | $76,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Environmental Scientists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $98,000 | +$20,000 |
| New York | $92,000 | +$14,000 |
| Denver | $83,000 | +$5,000 |
| Miami | $80,000 | +$2,000 |
| Houston | $77,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Environmental Scientist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Environmental Scientist from entry level to expert.
$51,000
0-2 years
$73,000
3-7 years
$95,000
8-14 years
$124,000
15+ years
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Environmental Scientist Salary FAQ
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