Environmental Scientist Salary in Arizona
Based on 2K+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$80,600
$38.75/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
+0.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$57K – $161K
2K employed in Arizona
Environmental Scientists in Arizona earn a median salary of $80,600 per year, which is 1% above the national average. With approximately 1,970 environmental scientists employed throughout the state, Arizona offers a competitive job market for professionals in this field. Salaries in the state range from $57,100 to $160,910 annually, reflecting the diversity of roles and experience levels within the profession.
Several factors influence environmental scientist salary in Arizona, including years of experience, educational credentials, and employer type. Government agencies, consulting firms, and private companies often offer different compensation packages. Geographic location within Arizona, specialized expertise in areas like water quality or air pollution, and professional certifications can also significantly impact earning potential for environmental scientists in the region.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,100 |
| 25th percentile | $64,420 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,600 |
| 75th percentile | $103,010 |
| 90th percentile | $160,910 |
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 Arizona 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 Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,090 |
| 2023 | $70,500 |
| 2024 | $78,870 |
| 2025 | $80,600 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,368 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,090 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $70,500 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $78,870 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $80,600 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,368 | $81,798 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,420 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,600 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $103,010 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $160,910 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Environmental Scientist ($80,600 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in AZ | $130,500 | +61.9% | $62.74/hr |
| Psychologist in AZ | $119,010 | +47.7% | $57.22/hr |
| Medical Scientist in AZ | $116,820 | +44.9% | $56.16/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in AZ | $102,400 | +27.0% | $49.23/hr |
| Geoscientist in AZ | $85,190 | +5.7% | $40.96/hr |
| Chemist in AZ | $81,730 | +1.4% | $39.29/hr |
| Financial Examiner in AZ | $80,260 | -0.4% | $38.59/hr |
| Tax Examiner in AZ | $81,180 | +0.7% | $39.03/hr |
| Accountant in AZ | $79,970 | -0.8% | $38.45/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in AZ | $79,780 | -1.0% | $38.36/hr |
| Statistician in AZ | $79,640 | -1.2% | $38.29/hr |
| Economist in AZ | $79,610 | -1.2% | $38.27/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Arizona?
- Environmental scientists in Arizona earn a median salary of $80,600 per year, or approximately $39 per hour. This is slightly above the national average, representing a +0.7% difference compared to environmental scientists across the United States.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in Arizona?
- Environmental scientist salaries in Arizona range from $57,100 at the lower end to $160,910 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, education, and specialization within the field.
Is the environmental scientist salary in Arizona competitive?
- Yes, Arizona's median environmental scientist salary of $80,600 is competitive, sitting 0.7% above the national average. With approximately 1,970 environmental scientists employed in the state, there are solid job opportunities in this field.
How many environmental scientists work in Arizona?
- There are approximately 1,970 environmental scientists currently employed in Arizona. This represents a substantial workforce in the state for professionals in this career field.