Environmental Scientist Salary in New Jersey
Based on 3K+ workers in New Jersey
Median Annual Salary (NJ)
$79,210
$38.08/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
-1.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$53K – $131K
3K employed in New Jersey
The median Environmental Scientist salary in New Jersey stands at $79,210 annually, positioning it slightly below the national average by 1%. With approximately 3,150 professionals employed in this field within the state, it represents a significant sector for those dedicated to understanding and protecting the environment.
Several factors contribute to the wide salary range for Environmental Scientists in New Jersey, which spans from $52,760 to $130,590. These include years of experience, specific industry (e.g., government, consulting, or private sector), advanced degrees, and specialized skills in areas like environmental remediation, regulatory compliance, or data analysis.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,760 |
| 25th percentile | $62,150 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,210 |
| 75th percentile | $102,440 |
| 90th percentile | $130,590 |
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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Jersey) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $81,100 |
| 2023 | $81,020 |
| 2024 | $79,920 |
| 2025 | $79,210 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,210 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Jersey Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $81,100 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $81,020 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $79,920 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $79,210 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,210 | $80,042 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,150 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $79,210 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $102,440 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $130,590 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in New Jersey
How other high-demand occupations in New Jersey compare to Environmental Scientist ($79,210 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in NJ | $163,270 | +106.1% | $78.50/hr |
| Medical Scientist in NJ | $129,280 | +63.2% | $62.15/hr |
| Psychologist in NJ | $127,090 | +60.4% | $61.10/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in NJ | $122,620 | +54.8% | $58.95/hr |
| Geoscientist in NJ | $88,500 | +11.7% | $42.55/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in NJ | $86,280 | +8.9% | $41.48/hr |
| Chemist in NJ | $84,450 | +6.6% | $40.60/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in NJ | $78,770 | -0.6% | $37.87/hr |
| Librarian in NJ | $78,380 | -1.0% | $37.68/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in NJ | $80,130 | +1.2% | $38.52/hr |
| Plumber in NJ | $78,240 | -1.2% | $37.62/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in NJ | $78,200 | -1.3% | $37.60/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an Environmental Scientist in New Jersey?
- The median annual salary for Environmental Scientists in New Jersey is $79,210, which breaks down to approximately $38 per hour. This median figure means half of all Environmental Scientists in the state earn more, and half earn less.
How much do Environmental Scientists in New Jersey typically earn?
- The salary range for Environmental Scientists in New Jersey is quite broad, with most professionals earning between $52,760 and $130,590 annually. This wide range can depend on experience, employer, and specific responsibilities.
Is the salary for Environmental Scientists in New Jersey higher or lower than the national average?
- Environmental Scientists in New Jersey earn slightly less than the national average, with salaries in the state being 1.0% lower. This means the median salary of $79,210 in New Jersey compares to a slightly higher national median.
How many Environmental Scientist jobs are there in New Jersey?
- There are approximately 3,150 Environmental Scientists currently employed in New Jersey. This number reflects the demand for professionals in this field within the state.