Environmental Scientist Salary in the United States
Based on 89K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$80,042
$38.48/hr
▲ 3.4% vs 2024Salary Range
$54K – $127K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
89K
workers nationwide
The median Environmental Scientist salary in the United States is $80,042 per year, equivalent to $38 per hour. This figure provides a benchmark for compensation within this crucial field, with a typical salary range spanning from $54,271 to $127,245 annually. A significant number of professionals, approximately 89,260, are employed in this domain across the nation.
Several factors influence the Environmental Scientist salary in the United States. Location plays a significant role, with the District of Columbia offering the highest median at $132,620 per year. Experience level, specialized skills, and the specific industry or sector of employment also contribute to variations in earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $54,271 |
| 25th percentile | $64,275 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,042 |
| 75th percentile | $100,618 |
| 90th percentile | $127,245 |
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 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Industry
How much Environmental Scientists earn across industries nationwide — Finance and Insurance pays the most ($134,100 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finance and Insurance | $134,100 | +67.5% | 110 |
| 2 | Transportation and Warehousing | $122,660 | +53.2% | 210 |
| 3 | Manufacturing | $120,930 | +51.1% | 1K |
| 4 | Utilities | $115,170 | +43.9% | 1K |
| 5 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $110,020 | +37.5% | 1K |
| 6 | Construction | $103,930 | +29.8% | 180 |
| 7 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $103,070 | +28.8% | 600 |
| 8 | Wholesale Trade | $95,930 | +19.8% | 190 |
| 9 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $94,880 | +18.5% | 200 |
| 10 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $83,090 | +3.8% | 42K |
| 11 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $79,880 | -0.2% | 35K |
| 12 | Administrative and Support Services | $76,790 | -4.1% | 2K |
| 13 | Educational Services | $76,200 | -4.8% | 3K |
| 14 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $74,800 | -6.5% | 2K |
| 15 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $58,310 | -27.2% | 120 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Environmental Scientist
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Environmental Scientist roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emory University | $63,120 | 5 |
| 2 | Battelle Memorial Institute | $112,000 | 3 |
| 3 | University Of Minnesota | $64,000 | 3 |
| 4 | University Of Wisconsin System | $71,000 | 3 |
| 5 | Yale University | $68,000 | 3 |
Historical Salary Trend — Environmental Scientist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,750 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,275 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,042 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $100,618 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $127,245 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for an Environmental Scientist in the US?
- The salary range for an Environmental Scientist in the United States generally falls between $54,271 and $127,245 per year. This broad spectrum reflects the varying levels of experience and specialized expertise within the profession.
How much does an Environmental Scientist earn in the District of Columbia?
- Environmental Scientists working in the District of Columbia tend to earn significantly more, with the median salary reported at $132,620 annually. This makes the capital region a top-paying location for the profession.
What is the average hourly wage for an Environmental Scientist?
- The median hourly wage for an Environmental Scientist in the US is approximately $38 per hour. This is derived from the annual median salary of $80,042, offering a perspective on hourly compensation.
Is the demand for Environmental Scientists high, and does it affect salaries?
- With 89,260 Environmental Scientists employed nationwide, the field supports a substantial workforce. While this data doesn't directly correlate to demand's impact on salary, the median salary of $80,042 suggests a competitive compensation structure.