Environmental Scientist Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 3K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$100,640
$48.38/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
+25.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$63K – $139K
3K employed in Massachusetts
Environmental Scientist salary in Massachusetts averages $100,640 annually, representing a competitive position within the state's scientific workforce. This figure sits 26 percent above the national average, reflecting Massachusetts' strong investment in environmental research and sustainability initiatives. The state currently employs approximately 2,930 environmental scientists, with salaries ranging from $63,460 to $139,310 depending on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence Environmental Scientist salary in Massachusetts, including education level, years of experience, and employer type. Scientists working for government agencies, research institutions, or consulting firms may see different compensation structures. Geographic proximity to major metropolitan areas like Boston, specialized certifications, and the specific environmental focus—whether remediation, conservation, or regulatory compliance—also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential within the state.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,460 |
| 25th percentile | $79,890 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,640 |
| 75th percentile | $127,310 |
| 90th percentile | $139,310 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $99,050 |
| 2023 | $100,360 |
| 2024 | $96,330 |
| 2025 | $100,640 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,143 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $99,050 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $100,360 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $96,330 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $100,640 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,143 | $83,623 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $79,890 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $100,640 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $127,310 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $139,310 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Environmental Scientist ($100,640 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in MA | $131,600 | +30.8% | $63.27/hr |
| Medical Scientist in MA | $128,210 | +27.4% | $61.64/hr |
| Chemist in MA | $125,000 | +24.2% | $60.10/hr |
| Psychologist in MA | $115,180 | +14.4% | $55.38/hr |
| Geoscientist in MA | $108,210 | +7.5% | $52.02/hr |
| Physicist in MA | $106,410 | +5.7% | $51.16/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in MA | $99,780 | -0.9% | $47.97/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in MA | $100,640 | +0.0% | $48.38/hr |
| Logistician in MA | $100,360 | -0.3% | $48.25/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in MA | $100,930 | +0.3% | $48.52/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in MA | $100,310 | -0.3% | $48.23/hr |
| Tax Examiner in MA | $99,970 | -0.7% | $48.06/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Massachusetts?
- The median salary for environmental scientists in Massachusetts is $100,640 per year, or $48 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 25.7% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in Massachusetts?
- Environmental scientists in Massachusetts earn between $63,460 and $139,310 annually, depending on experience, employer, and specialization. This wide range reflects different career stages and positions within the field.
Is an environmental scientist salary in Massachusetts better than the national average?
- Yes, Massachusetts environmental scientists earn 25.7% more than the national average. With a median of $100,640 annually, the state is among the top-paying regions for this profession.
How many environmental scientists are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are approximately 2,930 environmental scientists currently employed in Massachusetts, indicating a stable job market in the state for this profession.