Environmental Scientist Salary in Alaska
Based on 860+ workers in Alaska
Median Annual Salary (AK)
$91,960
$44.21/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
+14.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $148K
860 employed in Alaska
Environmental Scientists in Alaska earn a median salary of $87,060 per year, which is 12% above the national average. With approximately 660 environmental scientists employed across the state, this field represents a significant sector of Alaska's professional workforce. Salaries in this role typically range from $58,880 to $138,170 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
The Environmental Scientist salary in Alaska is influenced by several key factors, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific employer type. Working for government agencies or large environmental consulting firms often commands higher compensation than smaller organizations. Geographic location within Alaska, industry specialization, and the complexity of projects also play important roles in determining individual earning potential in this growing field.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Alaska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,840 |
| 25th percentile | $76,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $91,960 |
| 75th percentile | $114,400 |
| 90th percentile | $147,910 |
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 Alaska 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 Alaska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alaska) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,270 |
| 2023 | $83,600 |
| 2024 | $87,060 |
| 2025 | $91,960 |
| 2026 (projected) | $97,136 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alaska Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,270 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $83,600 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $87,060 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $91,960 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $97,136 | $84,547 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $76,290 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $91,960 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $114,400 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $147,910 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Alaska
How other high-demand occupations in Alaska compare to Environmental Scientist ($91,960 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist in AK | $124,270 | +35.1% | $59.75/hr |
| Geoscientist in AK | $107,410 | +16.8% | $51.64/hr |
| Chemist in AK | $106,010 | +15.3% | $50.97/hr |
| Medical Scientist in AK | $104,930 | +14.1% | $50.45/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in AK | $93,860 | +2.1% | $45.13/hr |
| Computer Programmer in AK | $91,700 | -0.3% | $44.09/hr |
| Financial Examiner in AK | $90,530 | -1.6% | $43.52/hr |
| Plumber in AK | $93,920 | +2.1% | $45.15/hr |
| Electrician in AK | $89,440 | -2.7% | $43.00/hr |
| Budget Analyst in AK | $94,740 | +3.0% | $45.55/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in AK | $89,170 | -3.0% | $42.87/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in AK | $88,750 | -3.5% | $42.67/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Alaska?
- Environmental scientists in Alaska earn a median salary of $87,060 per year, or $42 per hour. This is 12.4% higher than the national average, making Alaska a competitive state for this profession.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in Alaska?
- The salary range for environmental scientists in Alaska spans from $58,880 at the lower end to $138,170 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, and specialization within the field.
Is Alaska paying more for environmental scientists than the national average?
- Yes, Alaska pays 12.4% above the national average for environmental scientists, with a median salary of $87,060 compared to lower rates in most other states. This makes it one of the better-paying locations for this career.
How many environmental scientists are employed in Alaska?
- There are approximately 660 environmental scientists currently employed in Alaska. This represents a relatively small but established workforce in the state.