Environmental Scientist Salary in Idaho
Based on 670+ workers in Idaho
Median Annual Salary (ID)
$70,350
$33.82/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
-12.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$53K – $108K
670 employed in Idaho
Environmental scientists in Idaho earn a median salary of $70,350 per year, which is approximately 12% below the national average for this profession. With about 670 environmental scientists currently employed throughout the state, Idaho offers career opportunities in this field, though compensation tends to be lower than many other regions across the United States.
Several factors influence environmental scientist salary in Idaho, including education level, years of experience, and specific industry focus. Government agencies, consulting firms, and environmental organizations may offer different compensation packages. Additionally, the state's cost of living and demand for environmental expertise in sectors like agriculture, water management, and natural resource protection play significant roles in determining individual salaries within this range.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Idaho
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $53,360 |
| 25th percentile | $61,880 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $70,350 |
| 75th percentile | $85,650 |
| 90th percentile | $108,100 |
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 Idaho 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 Idaho vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Idaho) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,540 |
| 2023 | $69,060 |
| 2024 | $66,710 |
| 2025 | $70,350 |
| 2026 (projected) | $74,189 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Idaho Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,540 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $69,060 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $66,710 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $70,350 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $74,189 | $84,409 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Idaho
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $61,880 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $70,350 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $85,650 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $108,100 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Idaho
How other high-demand occupations in Idaho compare to Environmental Scientist ($70,350 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in ID | $135,150 | +92.1% | $64.98/hr |
| Psychologist in ID | $97,790 | +39.0% | $47.01/hr |
| Geoscientist in ID | $91,170 | +29.6% | $43.83/hr |
| Medical Scientist in ID | $83,010 | +18.0% | $39.91/hr |
| Chemist in ID | $78,000 | +10.9% | $37.50/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in ID | $76,500 | +8.7% | $36.78/hr |
| Loan Officer in ID | $71,070 | +1.0% | $34.17/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in ID | $69,240 | -1.6% | $33.29/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in ID | $71,610 | +1.8% | $34.43/hr |
| Police Officer in ID | $66,990 | -4.8% | $32.21/hr |
| Logistician in ID | $73,920 | +5.1% | $35.54/hr |
| Accountant in ID | $74,730 | +6.2% | $35.93/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Idaho?
- Environmental scientists in Idaho earn a median salary of $70,350 per year, or approximately $34 per hour. This is about 12.1% lower than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in Idaho?
- Environmental scientist salaries in Idaho range from $53,360 at the lower end to $108,100 at the higher end, depending on experience, education, and employer.
Is the environmental scientist salary in Idaho competitive?
- Idaho's environmental scientist median salary of $70,350 is slightly below the national average, representing a 12.1% difference. However, with 670 environmental scientists currently employed in the state, there are established job opportunities in this field.
What can an environmental scientist expect to earn hourly in Idaho?
- The median hourly wage for environmental scientists in Idaho is $34 per hour, based on the annual median salary of $70,350. Depending on experience and position level, hourly rates can vary based on the full salary range of $53,360 to $108,100 annually.