Environmental Scientist Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 3K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$76,110
$36.59/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
-4.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $126K
3K employed in Pennsylvania
The median Environmental Scientist salary in Pennsylvania is $76,110 per year. This figure falls 5% below the national average for the profession, with a typical salary range between $50,660 and $125,520. Currently, approximately 3,020 individuals are employed as Environmental Scientists within the state.
Several factors influence an Environmental Scientist salary in Pennsylvania. Experience level, specific industry (e.g., government, private consulting, manufacturing), and geographic location within the state can all contribute to variations within the stated salary range. Specializations and advanced degrees also play a significant role in determining earning potential for these professionals.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,660 |
| 25th percentile | $60,420 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,110 |
| 75th percentile | $95,910 |
| 90th percentile | $125,520 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,670 |
| 2023 | $70,320 |
| 2024 | $73,040 |
| 2025 | $76,110 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,309 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,670 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $70,320 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $73,040 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $76,110 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,309 | $83,406 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,420 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,110 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $95,910 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $125,520 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Environmental Scientist ($76,110 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in PA | $210,990 | +177.2% | $101.44/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in PA | $134,090 | +76.2% | $64.47/hr |
| Medical Scientist in PA | $99,190 | +30.3% | $47.69/hr |
| Psychologist in PA | $91,870 | +20.7% | $44.17/hr |
| Geoscientist in PA | $84,180 | +10.6% | $40.47/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in PA | $80,810 | +6.2% | $38.85/hr |
| Chemist in PA | $77,090 | +1.3% | $37.06/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in PA | $76,050 | -0.1% | $36.56/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in PA | $75,580 | -0.7% | $36.34/hr |
| Producer and Director in PA | $75,460 | -0.9% | $36.28/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in PA | $77,060 | +1.2% | $37.05/hr |
| Writer and Author in PA | $77,410 | +1.7% | $37.22/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Environmental Scientist make in Pennsylvania?
- The median salary for an Environmental Scientist in Pennsylvania is $76,110 per year, which breaks down to about $37 per hour. Most Environmental Scientists in the state earn between $50,660 and $125,520 annually.
What is the typical salary range for Environmental Scientists in Pennsylvania?
- In Pennsylvania, Environmental Scientists can expect their salaries to range from $50,660 on the lower end to $125,520 at the higher end. The median annual income for the profession in the state is $76,110.
Is the salary for Environmental Scientists in Pennsylvania lower than the national average?
- Yes, the average salary for Environmental Scientists in Pennsylvania is 4.9% lower than the national average. The median salary in Pennsylvania is $76,110 per year, compared to the national median.
How many Environmental Scientists are employed in Pennsylvania?
- There are approximately 3,020 Environmental Scientists employed in Pennsylvania. This indicates a notable presence of professionals in this field within the state.