Environmental Scientist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 1K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$71,040
$34.15/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
-11.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$49K – $95K
1K employed in Kentucky
Environmental scientist salary in Kentucky averages $71,040 annually, according to current labor data. This figure represents the median earnings for approximately 1,000 workers in the state employed in this field. However, Kentucky's environmental scientist salaries fall about 11% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and varying demand for environmental professionals across states.
Several factors influence environmental scientist salary in Kentucky, including education level, years of experience, and specific employer type. Government agencies, consulting firms, and private industry often offer different compensation packages. Geographic location within the state, specialized certifications, and the complexity of environmental projects can also impact earning potential. Career advancement opportunities and industry sector growth further shape salary trajectories for professionals in this field.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,540 |
| 25th percentile | $56,070 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $71,040 |
| 75th percentile | $78,850 |
| 90th percentile | $94,840 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,270 |
| 2023 | $54,310 |
| 2024 | $68,990 |
| 2025 | $71,040 |
| 2026 (projected) | $73,151 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,270 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $54,310 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $68,990 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $71,040 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $73,151 | $82,420 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $56,070 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $71,040 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,850 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $94,840 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Environmental Scientist ($71,040 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in KY | $180,910 | +154.7% | $86.98/hr |
| Psychologist in KY | $99,140 | +39.6% | $47.66/hr |
| Chemist in KY | $84,090 | +18.4% | $40.43/hr |
| Medical Scientist in KY | $77,580 | +9.2% | $37.30/hr |
| Geoscientist in KY | $77,510 | +9.1% | $37.26/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in KY | $74,710 | +5.2% | $35.92/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in KY | $65,000 | -8.5% | $31.25/hr |
| Economist in KY | $71,400 | +0.5% | $34.33/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in KY | $69,670 | -1.9% | $33.50/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in KY | $69,520 | -2.1% | $33.42/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in KY | $72,750 | +2.4% | $34.98/hr |
| Compliance Officer in KY | $69,240 | -2.5% | $33.29/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Kentucky?
- Environmental scientists in Kentucky earn a median salary of $71,040 per year, or approximately $34 per hour. This is about 11.2% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in Kentucky?
- Environmental scientist salaries in Kentucky range from $48,540 at the low end to $94,840 at the high end, depending on experience, education, and employer.
Is environmental scientist a well-paid job in Kentucky?
- With a median salary of $71,040 annually, environmental scientists in Kentucky earn a solid middle-class income, though this is 11.2% lower than environmental scientists earn nationally on average.
How many environmental scientist jobs are available in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 1,000 environmental scientists currently employed in Kentucky, indicating a modest but established job market for this profession in the state.