Environmental Scientist Salary in Oklahoma City, OK — 2026
Environmental Scientist salary data for Oklahoma City, OK — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
The median Environmental Scientist salary in Oklahoma City, OK is $67,860 per year ($5,655/month, $33/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 87, which is 13% below the national average.
Environmental Scientist Take-Home Pay in Oklahoma City
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $67,860 |
| Federal Tax | -$6,099 |
| State Tax (4.5%) | -$3,054 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$5,191 |
| Annual Take-Home | $53,516 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $4,460 |
Living Cost Comparison
Environmental Scientist Requirements
Key Skills
Oklahoma City Job Market Overview
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma has a population of 681,054 and an unemployment rate of 3.0%. The top industries are Energy, Healthcare, Government. The local job growth rate is 1.5%, and the average commute time is 22 minutes.
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Salary Percentile Breakdown — Environmental Scientist in Oklahoma City
Based on the cost-of-living-adjusted distribution for Environmental Scientist in Oklahoma City, OK, here's how earnings break down across the workforce:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent | Career Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th (lowest) | $44,370 | $21/hr | Entry-level, < 1 yr exp. |
| 25th | $56,115 | $27/hr | Junior, 1-3 yrs exp. |
| 50th (median) | $67,860 | $33/hr | Mid-career, 1-3 years |
| 75th | $82,650 | $40/hr | Senior, 5-10 yrs exp. |
| 90th (top) | $107,880 | $52/hr | Lead/Principal, 10+ yrs |
Percentiles estimated using a log-normal salary distribution model calibrated to Environmental Scientist compensation data. Top earners (P90) typically include managers, specialists with rare skills, or those at high-paying employers in Oklahoma City's Energy sector.
5-Year Salary Trajectory
Environmental Scientist salaries in Oklahoma City have grown approximately 15.0% over the past 5 years, outpacing local CPI inflation in many cases. Here's the historical and projected trajectory:
Year-over-year, an average Environmental Scientist can expect a 13.2% annual increase moving from entry to senior level over 5 years in Oklahoma City. Negotiation, certifications (LEED, QEP), and changing employers strategically can accelerate this trajectory.
Oklahoma City vs National Average
The national median Environmental Scientist salary is $78,000. In Oklahoma City, the cost-of-living-adjusted median of $67,860 is 13.0% below the national figure. This reflects Oklahoma City's cost of living index of 87 (lower than the national average of 100).
For Environmental Scientists, this means: rent typically consumes 22.4% of take-home pay (households spending >30% are considered affordable), and a median home in Oklahoma City costs about 3.7× annual take-home. Homeownership is relatively attainable on this salary in Oklahoma City.
Industry Context: Energy in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City's economy is anchored by Energy, Healthcare, Government, with 681,054 residents and 3.0% unemployment as of 2026. Environmental Scientists working in the Energy sector typically earn at or above the local median due to industry-specific demand. The state's overall job growth rate is 1.5%, and Environmental Scientist occupations specifically are projected to grow 6.0% nationally through 2034 (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook).
Methodology & Data Sources
How we calculate Environmental Scientist salaries in Oklahoma City, OK:
- Base salary model starts with Salario occupation data and public wage references, including BLS OEWS and O*NET when a direct or related occupational crosswalk is available. For niche titles, we do not treat a broader SOC family as an exact job-title wage.
- Cost-of-living adjustment applied using the Oklahoma City index of 87 relative to the national baseline of 100, with local rent, home price, unemployment, and tax inputs checked separately.
- Percentile distribution (P10-P90) estimated from the entry, median, senior, and top compensation tiers in the Salario salary model rather than claimed as exact employer payroll data.
- Take-home pay calculated using 2026 federal tax brackets (10%-37%), OK state income tax of 4.5%, and FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%).
- Tax brackets and standard deduction ($16,100 single filer for tax year 2026) sourced from IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 and updated annually.
Authoritative data sources:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — national and metro-area salary data
- O*NET OnLine — occupation tasks, alternate job titles, skills, and SOC crosswalks
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — occupation outlook where a matching profile is available
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation and cost-of-living data
- U.S. Census Bureau — Oklahoma City QuickFacts — population and demographic data
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
- BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics — Oklahoma City unemployment rate
Last reviewed: 2026. Salary data updated annually as new BLS releases become available. Environmental Scientist salaries can vary significantly based on employer, sector (Energy vs others in Oklahoma City), specific skill set (Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis), and individual negotiation. Always verify current compensation through multiple sources before making career decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Environmental Scientist salary in Oklahoma City, OK?
How much does a Environmental Scientist take home in Oklahoma City after taxes?
Is Oklahoma City a good city for Environmental Scientists?
What skills are needed for a Environmental Scientist in Oklahoma City?
How does Environmental Scientist salary in Oklahoma City compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Environmental Scientist salary in Oklahoma City, OK?
The median Environmental Scientist salary in Oklahoma City, OK is $67,860 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 87. Entry-level Environmental Scientists earn around $44,370, while senior-level professionals can earn $82,650 or more.
How much does a Environmental Scientist take home in Oklahoma City after taxes?
A Environmental Scientist earning the median salary of $67,860 in Oklahoma City, OK takes home approximately $53,516 per year ($4,460/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 21.1%.
Is Oklahoma City a good city for Environmental Scientists?
Oklahoma City, OK has a cost of living index of 87 (below national average). Environmental Scientists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.0% and top industries include Energy, Healthcare, Government.
What skills are needed for a Environmental Scientist in Oklahoma City?
Key skills for Environmental Scientists include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Report Writing, EPA Regulations. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include LEED, QEP, Hazmat Certification.
How does Environmental Scientist salary in Oklahoma City compare to the national average?
The national median Environmental Scientist salary is $78,000. In Oklahoma City, the adjusted salary is $67,860, which is 13.0% lower than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.