Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with industry to reduce waste.
$76,480
Median Salary
$81,834
Mean Salary
103,000
Total Employment
7%
Job Growth
Faster than average
Bachelor's degree
Education
10,300
Openings/Year
Salary Distribution
10th Percentile $45,888
25th Percentile $59,654
Median $76,480
75th Percentile $97,894
90th Percentile $128,486
Salary Map
Lower Mid Higher
Top Employing States
California 12,424
Texas 11,611
New York 7,914
Florida 7,651
Pennsylvania 5,352
Salary by State
| # | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $135,486 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $131,168 |
| 3 | New York | $124,466 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $114,424 |
| 5 | California | $113,779 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $104,765 |
| 7 | Washington | $101,451 |
| 8 | Oregon | $101,374 |
| 9 | Maryland | $97,744 |
| 10 | New Jersey | $97,047 |
| 11 | Delaware | $96,144 |
| 12 | Alaska | $91,975 |
| 13 | Rhode Island | $91,059 |
| 14 | Virginia | $90,040 |
| 15 | Illinois | $86,744 |
| 16 | Utah | $86,130 |
| 17 | Maine | $85,380 |
| 18 | Colorado | $82,869 |
| 19 | Wyoming | $81,610 |
| 20 | North Dakota | $81,049 |
| 21 | New Hampshire | $79,037 |
| 22 | Pennsylvania | $78,869 |
| 23 | Vermont | $77,964 |
| 24 | Nebraska | $75,816 |
| 25 | Montana | $75,673 |
| 26 | Arizona | $75,408 |
| 27 | Idaho | $75,296 |
| 28 | Nevada | $74,126 |
| 29 | North Carolina | $74,060 |
| 30 | Minnesota | $73,202 |
| 31 | Alabama | $72,693 |
| 32 | Missouri | $70,776 |
| 33 | Indiana | $70,432 |
| 34 | Arkansas | $69,841 |
| 35 | Ohio | $68,120 |
| 36 | Florida | $67,531 |
| 37 | Iowa | $67,523 |
| 38 | Tennessee | $66,225 |
| 39 | Wisconsin | $65,978 |
| 40 | West Virginia | $65,271 |
| 41 | Georgia | $64,886 |
| 42 | Louisiana | $64,659 |
| 43 | Kansas | $63,931 |
| 44 | Michigan | $63,733 |
| 45 | South Dakota | $63,375 |
| 46 | South Carolina | $62,657 |
| 47 | Texas | $62,222 |
| 48 | Kentucky | $61,088 |
| 49 | Oklahoma | $59,596 |
| 50 | New Mexico | $59,095 |
| 51 | Mississippi | $56,912 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Environmental Scientist?
The median salary for a Environmental Scientist is $76,480 per year nationally. Salaries range from $45,888 (10th percentile) to $128,486 (90th percentile).
What education do you need to become a Environmental Scientist?
A Environmental Scientist typically requires a bachelor's degree.
What is the job outlook for Environmental Scientists?
Employment of environmental scientists is projected to grow 7% — faster than average. About 10,300 openings are expected each year.
Which state pays Environmental Scientists the most?
District of Columbia pays the highest median salary for environmental scientists at $135,486 per year.