Environmental Scientist Salary in Kansas
Based on 590+ workers in Kansas
Median Annual Salary (KS)
$78,210
$37.60/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
-2.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$56K – $137K
590 employed in Kansas
Environmental Scientist salary in Kansas averages $78,210 annually, positioning the state slightly below the national median. With approximately 590 environmental scientists employed across Kansas, the field offers competitive opportunities for professionals focused on air quality, water resources, and environmental compliance in both private and public sectors.
Several factors influence Environmental Scientist salary in Kansas, including education level, years of experience, employer type, and specialization focus. Government agencies and environmental consulting firms typically offer different compensation structures, while advanced certifications and graduate degrees can significantly impact earning potential. Geographic location within the state and industry sector also play important roles in determining individual salaries within the $56,120 to $136,990 range.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Kansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $56,120 |
| 25th percentile | $64,070 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,210 |
| 75th percentile | $106,800 |
| 90th percentile | $136,990 |
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 Kansas 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 Kansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,460 |
| 2023 | $68,180 |
| 2024 | $73,300 |
| 2025 | $78,210 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,903 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,460 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $68,180 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $73,300 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $78,210 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,903 | $84,845 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Kansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,070 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,210 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $106,800 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $136,990 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Kansas
How other high-demand occupations in Kansas compare to Environmental Scientist ($78,210 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in KS | $97,850 | +25.1% | $47.04/hr |
| Medical Scientist in KS | $84,490 | +8.0% | $40.62/hr |
| Chemist in KS | $82,820 | +5.9% | $39.82/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in KS | $82,330 | +5.3% | $39.58/hr |
| Geoscientist in KS | $80,080 | +2.4% | $38.50/hr |
| Psychologist in KS | $76,690 | -1.9% | $36.87/hr |
| Accountant in KS | $79,000 | +1.0% | $37.98/hr |
| Registered Nurse in KS | $79,320 | +1.4% | $38.13/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in KS | $76,970 | -1.6% | $37.00/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in KS | $76,780 | -1.8% | $36.91/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in KS | $80,120 | +2.4% | $38.52/hr |
| Budget Analyst in KS | $80,140 | +2.5% | $38.53/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Kansas?
- Environmental scientists in Kansas earn a median salary of $78,210 per year, or $38 per hour. This is 2.3% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in Kansas?
- Environmental scientist salaries in Kansas range from $56,120 at the lower end to $136,990 at the upper end, reflecting significant variation based on experience and specialization.
How many environmental scientists are employed in Kansas?
- There are currently 590 environmental scientists employed in Kansas, representing the total workforce in this field across the state.
Is the environmental scientist salary in Kansas above or below the national average?
- Environmental scientist salaries in Kansas are slightly below the national average at $78,210 median annually, falling 2.3% short of the national figure for this position.