Environmental Scientist Salary in Michigan
Based on 3K+ workers in Michigan
Median Annual Salary (MI)
$76,080
$36.58/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
-4.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$52K – $112K
3K employed in Michigan
Environmental Scientists in Michigan earn a median salary of $76,080 per year, according to current employment data. This figure represents compensation for approximately 3,100 workers in the state employed in environmental science roles. While Michigan offers steady opportunities in this field, the median salary runs about 5% below the national average, though individual earnings can vary significantly based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence Environmental Scientist salary in Michigan, including education level, years of experience, and industry sector. Scientists working for government agencies or large corporations typically earn more than those in smaller firms or nonprofits. Geographic location within the state, specific environmental focus areas like water quality or pollution control, and professional certifications also play important roles in determining individual compensation within Michigan's environmental science field.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Michigan
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,300 |
| 25th percentile | $61,120 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,080 |
| 75th percentile | $94,520 |
| 90th percentile | $111,770 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Michigan) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $72,220 |
| 2023 | $78,250 |
| 2024 | $76,670 |
| 2025 | $76,080 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,080 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Michigan Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $72,220 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $78,250 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $76,670 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $76,080 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,080 | $80,042 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Michigan
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $61,120 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,080 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $94,520 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $111,770 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Michigan
How other high-demand occupations in Michigan compare to Environmental Scientist ($76,080 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in MI | $109,340 | +43.7% | $52.57/hr |
| Chemist in MI | $97,440 | +28.1% | $46.85/hr |
| Physicist in MI | $94,520 | +24.2% | $45.44/hr |
| Psychologist in MI | $84,730 | +11.4% | $40.74/hr |
| Medical Scientist in MI | $84,310 | +10.8% | $40.53/hr |
| Geoscientist in MI | $80,990 | +6.5% | $38.94/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in MI | $78,510 | +3.2% | $37.75/hr |
| Marine Engineer in MI | $76,210 | +0.2% | $36.64/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in MI | $75,900 | -0.2% | $36.49/hr |
| Electrician in MI | $76,270 | +0.2% | $36.67/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in MI | $76,420 | +0.4% | $36.74/hr |
| Tax Examiner in MI | $75,040 | -1.4% | $36.08/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Michigan?
- Environmental scientists in Michigan earn a median salary of $76,080 per year, or approximately $37 per hour. This is about 4.9% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in Michigan?
- Environmental scientist salaries in Michigan range from $52,300 at the lower end to $111,770 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience, education, and employer type.
Is the Michigan environmental scientist salary competitive compared to the national average?
- Michigan's environmental scientist median salary of $76,080 is slightly below the national average at 4.9% lower. However, with over 3,100 environmental scientists employed in the state, there are solid job opportunities in this field.
How many environmental scientists work in Michigan?
- There are approximately 3,100 environmental scientists currently employed in Michigan, indicating a substantial job market for this profession in the state.