Environmental Scientist Salary in Minnesota
Based on 2K+ workers in Minnesota
Median Annual Salary (MN)
$88,000
$42.31/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
+9.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $134K
2K employed in Minnesota
Environmental Scientist salary in Minnesota averages $88,000 annually, positioning the state as an attractive location for professionals in this field. With approximately 2,260 environmental scientists currently employed across Minnesota, this figure represents a 10% premium over the national average, reflecting strong regional demand and the state's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Several factors influence earning potential for environmental scientists in Minnesota, including experience level, educational credentials, employer type, and specialization area. Government agencies, private consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations often offer different compensation packages, while advanced degrees and certifications can meaningfully impact salary progression. Geographic location within the state and industry sector also play significant roles in determining individual compensation within the $35,510 to $133,570 salary range.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Minnesota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,510 |
| 25th percentile | $61,570 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $88,000 |
| 75th percentile | $105,850 |
| 90th percentile | $133,570 |
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Minnesota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,380 |
| 2023 | $77,000 |
| 2024 | $87,210 |
| 2025 | $88,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $88,797 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Minnesota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,380 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $77,000 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $87,210 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $88,000 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $88,797 | $80,767 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Minnesota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $61,570 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $88,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $105,850 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $133,570 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Minnesota
How other high-demand occupations in Minnesota compare to Environmental Scientist ($88,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in MN | $171,220 | +94.6% | $82.32/hr |
| Psychologist in MN | $107,030 | +21.6% | $51.46/hr |
| Chemist in MN | $99,280 | +12.8% | $47.73/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in MN | $97,060 | +10.3% | $46.66/hr |
| Medical Scientist in MN | $89,950 | +2.2% | $43.25/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in MN | $81,280 | -7.6% | $39.08/hr |
| Geoscientist in MN | $80,540 | -8.5% | $38.72/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in MN | $87,510 | -0.6% | $42.07/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in MN | $89,380 | +1.6% | $42.97/hr |
| Budget Analyst in MN | $85,970 | -2.3% | $41.33/hr |
| Compliance Officer in MN | $85,920 | -2.4% | $41.31/hr |
| Software Engineer in MN | $91,750 | +4.3% | $44.11/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Minnesota?
- Environmental scientists in Minnesota earn a median salary of $88,000 per year, or $42 per hour. This is 9.9% higher than the national average, making Minnesota a competitive state for this profession.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in Minnesota?
- Environmental scientist salaries in Minnesota range from $35,510 at the low end to $133,570 at the high end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, employer type, and specialization within the field.
How many environmental scientists work in Minnesota?
- There are approximately 2,260 environmental scientists currently employed in Minnesota. This represents a substantial job market for professionals in this field.
Is Minnesota's environmental scientist salary above the national average?
- Yes, Minnesota's median environmental scientist salary of $88,000 is 9.9% higher than the national average. This makes Minnesota an attractive location for environmental scientists seeking above-average compensation.