Environmental Scientist Salary in the United States
Based on 89K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$80,042
$38.482/hr
▲ 3.4% vs 2024Salary Range
$78K – $185K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
89K
workers nationwide
The median Environmental Scientist salary in the United States is $77,423 per year, reflecting compensation for professionals who monitor environmental conditions, conduct research, and develop solutions to pollution and conservation challenges. With approximately 84,940 workers employed in this field, environmental scientists represent a stable career path for those committed to protecting natural resources and public health.
Salaries for environmental scientists vary considerably based on several factors, including educational credentials, years of experience, geographic location, and employer type. Those working for government agencies, private consulting firms, or research institutions may earn different wages, while advanced degrees and specialized expertise in areas like toxicology or remediation can lead to higher compensation within the field's $75,050 to $182,350 salary range.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,270 |
| 25th percentile | $98,410 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,042 |
| 75th percentile | $161,470 |
| 90th percentile | $185,220 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Environmental Scientist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $132,620 | +65.7% | 1K |
| 2 | California | $106,510 | +33.1% | 12K |
| 3 | Rhode Island | $100,730 | +25.8% | 330 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $100,640 | +25.7% | 3K |
| 5 | Washington | $98,300 | +22.8% | 4K |
| 6 | Oregon | $97,440 | +21.7% | 1K |
| 7 | Texas | $92,000 | +14.9% | 6K |
| 8 | Alaska | $91,960 | +14.9% | 860 |
| 9 | Utah | $90,710 | +13.3% | 1K |
| 10 | Minnesota | $88,000 | +9.9% | 2K |
Historical Salary Trend — Environmental Scientist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $80,042 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make per hour in the US?
- Environmental scientists in the United States earn a median hourly rate of $37/hour. This translates to an annual median salary of $77,423, though hourly rates can vary based on experience, location, and employer type.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists?
- Environmental scientist salaries in the US range from $75,050 on the lower end to $182,350 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, geographic location, and industry sector.
Which city pays environmental scientists the most?
- The District of Columbia is the top paying city for environmental scientists, with an average salary of $122,440 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $77,423.
How many environmental scientists are employed in the United States?
- There are currently 84,940 environmental scientists employed throughout the United States. This represents the total workforce in this profession across all states and sectors.