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
$82,220
$6,852/mo
Entry Level
$53,800
starting pay
Senior Level
$100,100
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health (SOC 19-2041) at a national median of $82,220 per year (mean $91,680), or $39.53 per hour, with 89,250 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
89K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$39.53/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,852
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
$84,000
$7,000/month · $3,231/biweekly · $40.38/hr
Environmental Scientist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Environmental Scientist field.
Entry-level Environmental Scientists earn around $53,800, while the top 10% earn $115,400 or more.
Top Paying States for Environmental Scientists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $97,000 | +$14,780 |
| New York | $95,000 | +$12,780 |
| Colorado | $86,000 | +$3,780 |
| Texas | $81,000 | $-1,220 |
| Florida | $81,000 | $-1,220 |
Top Paying Cities for Environmental Scientists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $103,000 | +$20,780 |
| New York | $97,000 | +$14,780 |
| Denver | $87,000 | +$4,780 |
| Miami | $84,000 | +$1,780 |
| Houston | $81,000 | $-1,220 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Environmental Scientist Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Environmental Scientist.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Environmental Scientist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Environmental Scientist from entry level to expert.
$53,800
0-2 years
$77,000
3-7 years
$100,100
8-14 years
$130,700
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Environmental Scientist Salary FAQ
How much does a Environmental Scientist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Environmental Scientist in the United States is $82,220 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health (SOC 19-2041); the mean is $91,680. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $53,800, senior professionals around $100,100, and top earners at $130,700 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Environmental Scientist?
A Environmental Scientist typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 1-3 years of experience. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis. Relevant certifications such as LEED or QEP can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Environmental Scientists?
The job market for Environmental Scientists is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 89K Environmental Scientist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Environmental Scientists the most?
The highest-paying states for Environmental Scientists include California, Texas, Colorado. In California, the median salary is approximately $97,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Environmental Scientist salary?
To increase your Environmental Scientist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Environmental Sampling and GIS. Pursue certifications such as LEED. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Francisco. With 1-3 years of experience, you can progress from $53,800 to $100,100 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Environmental Scientist Salary
How we calculate Environmental Scientist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health (SOC 19-2041), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $82,220, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health; BLS mean $91,680; BLS hourly median $39.53.
- Entry-level ($53,800) and senior-level ($100,100) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 89,250 Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Science sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $82,220; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Environmental Scientist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Environmental Scientist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Science
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Environmental Scientist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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