Environmental Scientist Salary in Hawaii
Based on 670+ workers in Hawaii
Median Annual Salary (HI)
$79,510
$38.23/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
-0.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$54K – $112K
670 employed in Hawaii
Environmental Scientists in Hawaii earn a median salary of $79,510 per year, which is approximately 1% below the national average. Currently, around 670 environmental scientists work throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Salaries in this field typically range from $53,500 to $111,700 annually, reflecting the variation in experience, specialization, and employer type across the state.
Several factors influence the Environmental Scientist salary in Hawaii, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific industry sector. Geographic location within the islands, employer size, and whether positions focus on conservation, water quality, or air quality monitoring can significantly impact compensation. The state's unique environmental challenges and the presence of both government agencies and private environmental firms create diverse employment opportunities with varying pay scales.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Hawaii
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $53,500 |
| 25th percentile | $60,650 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,510 |
| 75th percentile | $92,620 |
| 90th percentile | $111,700 |
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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Hawaii) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,090 |
| 2023 | $71,280 |
| 2024 | $75,050 |
| 2025 | $79,510 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,235 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Hawaii Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,090 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $71,280 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $75,050 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $79,510 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,235 | $84,799 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,650 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $79,510 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $92,620 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $111,700 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Hawaii
How other high-demand occupations in Hawaii compare to Environmental Scientist ($79,510 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist in HI | $117,860 | +48.2% | $56.66/hr |
| Physicist in HI | $117,190 | +47.4% | $56.34/hr |
| Geoscientist in HI | $106,270 | +33.7% | $51.09/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in HI | $85,590 | +7.6% | $41.15/hr |
| Chemist in HI | $84,150 | +5.8% | $40.46/hr |
| Plumber in HI | $78,060 | -1.8% | $37.53/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in HI | $78,000 | -1.9% | $37.50/hr |
| Tax Examiner in HI | $77,190 | -2.9% | $37.11/hr |
| Construction Laborer in HI | $77,110 | -3.0% | $37.07/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in HI | $81,920 | +3.0% | $39.38/hr |
| Statistician in HI | $76,780 | -3.4% | $36.91/hr |
| Compliance Officer in HI | $82,590 | +3.9% | $39.71/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Hawaii?
- Environmental scientists in Hawaii earn a median salary of $79,510 per year, or $38 per hour. This is slightly below the national average at 0.7% less, though individual salaries vary significantly based on experience and employer.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in Hawaii?
- Environmental scientist salaries in Hawaii range from $53,500 at the lower end to $111,700 at the upper end, providing a spread of approximately $58,200 depending on factors like experience level and specialization.
Is the environmental scientist salary in Hawaii competitive compared to the US average?
- Hawaii's environmental scientist median salary of $79,510 is nearly competitive with the national average, falling just 0.7% below it. While not significantly lower, job seekers should consider Hawaii's higher cost of living when evaluating the offer.
How many environmental scientist jobs are available in Hawaii?
- There are approximately 670 environmental scientists currently employed in Hawaii, indicating a moderate job market for this profession in the state.