Environmental Scientist Salary in Louisiana
Based on 2K+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$69,820
$33.57/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
-12.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $133K
2K employed in Louisiana
Environmental Scientists in Louisiana earn a median salary of $69,820 per year, with approximately 1,600 professionals working in the state. This figure is 13% below the national average, reflecting regional variations in compensation. The salary typically ranges from $49,890 to $132,810 annually, depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence Environmental Scientist salary in Louisiana, including experience level, employer type, and specialization within the field. Government agencies, private consulting firms, and environmental organizations often offer different compensation packages. Educational credentials, professional certifications, and geographic location within the state can also impact earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,890 |
| 25th percentile | $58,500 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $69,820 |
| 75th percentile | $95,430 |
| 90th percentile | $132,810 |
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $73,740 |
| 2023 | $67,000 |
| 2024 | $67,260 |
| 2025 | $69,820 |
| 2026 (projected) | $72,477 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $73,740 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $67,000 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $67,260 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $69,820 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $72,477 | $83,088 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $58,500 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $69,820 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $95,430 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $132,810 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Environmental Scientist ($69,820 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in LA | $166,240 | +138.1% | $79.92/hr |
| Chemist in LA | $103,890 | +48.8% | $49.95/hr |
| Geoscientist in LA | $91,560 | +31.1% | $44.02/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in LA | $74,500 | +6.7% | $35.82/hr |
| Psychologist in LA | $71,330 | +2.2% | $34.29/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in LA | $69,610 | -0.3% | $33.47/hr |
| Compliance Officer in LA | $70,290 | +0.7% | $33.79/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in LA | $70,460 | +0.9% | $33.88/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in LA | $68,790 | -1.5% | $33.07/hr |
| Economist in LA | $73,050 | +4.6% | $35.12/hr |
| Credit Analyst in LA | $73,210 | +4.9% | $35.20/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in LA | $66,340 | -5.0% | $31.89/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Louisiana?
- Environmental scientists in Louisiana earn a median salary of $69,820 per year, or $34 per hour. This is 12.8% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in Louisiana?
- Environmental scientist salaries in Louisiana range from $49,890 at the lower end to $132,810 at the upper end, representing a significant spread based on experience and specialization.
Is environmental scientist a well-paid job in Louisiana?
- With a median salary of $69,820 annually, environmental scientists in Louisiana earn a moderate income, though this falls below the national average by 12.8%. However, those at the top of the pay scale can earn over $132,000 per year.
How many environmental scientists work in Louisiana?
- There are approximately 1,600 environmental scientists employed in Louisiana, providing decent job availability in the state.