Environmental Scientist Salary in North Carolina
Based on 4K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$74,130
$35.64/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
-7.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$49K – $126K
4K employed in North Carolina
The median Environmental Scientist salary in North Carolina is $74,130 annually, placing it 7% below the national average. With approximately 4,150 professionals employed in this field across the state, the salary range for Environmental Scientists in North Carolina typically falls between $49,320 and $125,930.
Several factors influence an Environmental Scientist salary in North Carolina. Experience level, specific industry (e.g., government, private consulting, research), educational attainment, and specialized skills like hazardous waste management or GIS analysis all play a significant role in determining earning potential within the state's diverse environmental sector.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,320 |
| 25th percentile | $61,820 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $74,130 |
| 75th percentile | $93,990 |
| 90th percentile | $125,930 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,530 |
| 2023 | $67,380 |
| 2024 | $65,800 |
| 2025 | $74,130 |
| 2026 (projected) | $78,578 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,530 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $67,380 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $65,800 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $74,130 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $78,578 | $84,845 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $61,820 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $74,130 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $93,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $125,930 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Environmental Scientist ($74,130 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in NC | $174,180 | +135.0% | $83.74/hr |
| Medical Scientist in NC | $102,980 | +38.9% | $49.51/hr |
| Geoscientist in NC | $95,260 | +28.5% | $45.80/hr |
| Psychologist in NC | $92,130 | +24.3% | $44.29/hr |
| Chemist in NC | $82,620 | +11.5% | $39.72/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in NC | $82,220 | +10.9% | $39.53/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in NC | $81,230 | +9.6% | $39.05/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in NC | $74,040 | -0.1% | $35.60/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in NC | $74,450 | +0.4% | $35.79/hr |
| Editor in NC | $73,740 | -0.5% | $35.45/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in NC | $73,070 | -1.4% | $35.13/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in NC | $75,270 | +1.5% | $36.19/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Environmental Scientist make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for an Environmental Scientist in North Carolina is $74,130 per year, which equates to $36 per hour. Most Environmental Scientists in the state earn between $49,320 and $125,930 annually.
What is the salary range for Environmental Scientists in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, the salary range for Environmental Scientists is from $49,320 on the lower end to $125,930 on the higher end. The median annual salary falls in the middle at $74,130.
Is the salary for Environmental Scientists in North Carolina lower than the national average?
- Yes, Environmental Scientist salaries in North Carolina are 7.4% lower than the national average. The median salary in North Carolina is $74,130 per year, compared to the national median.
How many Environmental Scientists are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 4,150 Environmental Scientists employed in North Carolina. The median salary for these professionals is $74,130 per year.