Environmental Scientist Salary in Oregon
Based on 1K+ workers in Oregon
Median Annual Salary (OR)
$97,440
$46.85/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
+21.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $132K
1K employed in Oregon
The median Environmental Scientist salary in Oregon is a robust $97,440 annually, significantly outpacing the national average by 22%. With 1,370 professionals employed in this field across the state, Oregon offers a competitive landscape for those dedicated to environmental stewardship and research. This strong median indicates a healthy demand and rewarding compensation for environmental scientists in the Beaver State.
Several factors influence the Environmental Scientist salary in Oregon. These include experience level, with entry-level positions earning closer to the lower end of the $62,200 to $132,190 range, while seasoned experts command higher salaries. Geographic location within Oregon, the specific industry (e.g., government, private consulting, non-profit), and specialized skills like data analysis or regulatory compliance also play a crucial role in determining an individual's earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Oregon
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,200 |
| 25th percentile | $76,870 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $97,440 |
| 75th percentile | $113,320 |
| 90th percentile | $132,190 |
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 Oregon 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 Oregon vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Oregon) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,230 |
| 2023 | $83,780 |
| 2024 | $93,560 |
| 2025 | $97,440 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,481 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Oregon Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,230 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $83,780 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $93,560 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $97,440 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,481 | $83,361 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Oregon
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $76,870 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $97,440 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $113,320 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $132,190 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Oregon
How other high-demand occupations in Oregon compare to Environmental Scientist ($97,440 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in OR | $200,320 | +105.6% | $96.31/hr |
| Psychologist in OR | $134,350 | +37.9% | $64.59/hr |
| Medical Scientist in OR | $111,030 | +13.9% | $53.38/hr |
| Chemist in OR | $104,590 | +7.3% | $50.28/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in OR | $103,070 | +5.8% | $49.55/hr |
| Geoscientist in OR | $98,110 | +0.7% | $47.17/hr |
| Software Engineer in OR | $97,350 | -0.1% | $46.80/hr |
| Plumber in OR | $97,050 | -0.4% | $46.66/hr |
| Computer Programmer in OR | $99,540 | +2.2% | $47.86/hr |
| Budget Analyst in OR | $95,250 | -2.2% | $45.79/hr |
| Financial Examiner in OR | $94,630 | -2.9% | $45.50/hr |
| Loan Officer in OR | $94,440 | -3.1% | $45.40/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for an Environmental Scientist in Oregon?
- The median salary for an Environmental Scientist in Oregon is $97,440 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong earning potential in the state.
How much do Environmental Scientists in Oregon earn compared to the national average?
- Environmental Scientists in Oregon earn 21.7% more than the national average. This means that the median salary of $97,440 per year in Oregon is considerably higher than what Environmental Scientists typically earn across the country.
What is the salary range for Environmental Scientists in Oregon?
- The salary range for Environmental Scientists in Oregon is quite broad, typically falling between $62,200 and $132,190 annually. This range reflects variations in experience, employer, and specific responsibilities within the field.
How many Environmental Scientists are employed in Oregon?
- There are approximately 1,370 Environmental Scientists employed in Oregon. This provides a sense of the job market size within the state for this profession.