Environmental Scientist Salary in Indiana
Based on 1K+ workers in Indiana
Median Annual Salary (IN)
$64,700
$31.11/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
-19.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $124K
1K employed in Indiana
Environmental Scientist salary in Indiana averages $64,700 per year, according to current labor data. This figure represents the median earnings for approximately 1,290 environmental scientists employed throughout the state. However, Indiana's compensation for this profession falls about 19% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and variations in demand for environmental expertise.
Several factors influence environmental scientist compensation in Indiana, including employer type, years of experience, and specialized credentials. Government agencies, private consulting firms, and industrial companies often offer different salary ranges. Advanced degrees, professional certifications, and expertise in specific areas like water quality or air pollution management can lead to higher earnings. Geographic location within the state and the cost of living also play roles in determining individual salaries within this range.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Indiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,830 |
| 25th percentile | $52,580 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,700 |
| 75th percentile | $94,910 |
| 90th percentile | $124,380 |
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 Indiana 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 Indiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Indiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,040 |
| 2023 | $63,890 |
| 2024 | $77,380 |
| 2025 | $64,700 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,700 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Indiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,040 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $63,890 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $77,380 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $64,700 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,700 | $80,042 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Indiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $52,580 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $64,700 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $94,910 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $124,380 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Indiana
How other high-demand occupations in Indiana compare to Environmental Scientist ($64,700 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in IN | $105,940 | +63.7% | $50.93/hr |
| Psychologist in IN | $84,990 | +31.4% | $40.86/hr |
| Medical Scientist in IN | $81,110 | +25.4% | $39.00/hr |
| Chemist in IN | $78,770 | +21.7% | $37.87/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in IN | $70,760 | +9.4% | $34.02/hr |
| Geoscientist in IN | $68,240 | +5.5% | $32.81/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in IN | $64,900 | +0.3% | $31.20/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in IN | $65,600 | +1.4% | $31.54/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in IN | $63,700 | -1.5% | $30.63/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in IN | $65,720 | +1.6% | $31.60/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in IN | $63,430 | -2.0% | $30.50/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in IN | $66,300 | +2.5% | $31.88/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Indiana?
- Environmental scientists in Indiana earn a median salary of $64,700 per year, or approximately $31 per hour. This is about 19.2% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in Indiana?
- Environmental scientist salaries in Indiana range from $46,830 at the lower end to $124,380 at the higher end, depending on experience, education, and employer.
How many environmental scientists work in Indiana?
- There are approximately 1,290 environmental scientists employed in Indiana, making it a moderately sized job market for this profession in the state.
Is the environmental scientist salary in Indiana below the national average?
- Yes, the median environmental scientist salary in Indiana at $64,700 annually is 19.2% lower than the national average for this occupation.