Environmental Scientist Salary in Alabama
Based on 870+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$72,490
$34.85/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
-9.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$41K – $115K
870 employed in Alabama
Environmental scientists in Alabama earn a median salary of $74,660 per year, which is approximately 4% below the national average. Currently, around 920 environmental scientists work throughout the state. Salaries in this field range from $40,450 at the entry level to $118,500 for experienced professionals, reflecting the diversity of roles and specializations available in environmental science.
Environmental Scientist salary in Alabama is influenced by several factors, including years of experience, educational credentials, and employer type. Government agencies, consulting firms, and private industry organizations often offer different compensation packages. Geographic location within Alabama, specific environmental expertise, and professional certifications can also significantly impact earning potential. Workers with advanced degrees and specialized knowledge typically command higher salaries within the state's environmental science sector.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,260 |
| 25th percentile | $52,750 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $72,490 |
| 75th percentile | $85,350 |
| 90th percentile | $114,900 |
Top-Paying Industries for Environmental Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Environmental Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Environmental Scientists in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $134,100 | 110 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $122,660 | 210 |
| Manufacturing | $120,930 | 1K |
| Utilities | $115,170 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $110,020 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Environmental Scientist in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,770 |
| 2023 | $71,410 |
| 2024 | $74,660 |
| 2025 | $72,490 |
| 2026 (projected) | $72,490 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,770 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $71,410 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $74,660 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $72,490 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $72,490 | $80,042 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $52,750 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $72,490 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $85,350 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $114,900 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Environmental Scientist ($72,490 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in AL | $139,330 | +92.2% | $66.99/hr |
| Chemist in AL | $97,830 | +35.0% | $47.03/hr |
| Psychologist in AL | $90,800 | +25.3% | $43.65/hr |
| Geoscientist in AL | $88,610 | +22.2% | $42.60/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in AL | $70,710 | -2.5% | $34.00/hr |
| Medical Scientist in AL | $68,490 | -5.5% | $32.93/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in AL | $48,510 | -33.1% | $23.32/hr |
| Compliance Officer in AL | $72,990 | +0.7% | $35.09/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in AL | $73,660 | +1.6% | $35.41/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in AL | $74,030 | +2.1% | $35.59/hr |
| Accountant in AL | $74,880 | +3.3% | $36.00/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in AL | $69,000 | -4.8% | $33.17/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Alabama?
- Environmental scientists in Alabama earn a median salary of $74,660 per year, or $36 per hour. This is 3.6% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in Alabama?
- Environmental scientist salaries in Alabama range from a low of $40,450 to a high of $118,500 per year, depending on experience, education, and employer.
How many environmental scientists work in Alabama?
- There are approximately 920 environmental scientists currently employed in Alabama, making it a moderately sized workforce in the state.
Is the environmental scientist salary in Alabama lower than the national average?
- Yes, the median environmental scientist salary in Alabama at $74,660 annually is 3.6% lower than the national average for the position.