Environmental Scientist Salary in Washington
Based on 4K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$98,300
$47.26/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
+22.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$71K – $154K
4K employed in Washington
The median **Environmental Scientist salary in Washington** stands at a robust $98,300 annually, significantly outpacing the national average by 23%. With approximately 4,470 professionals employed in this field across the state, Washington offers a competitive compensation landscape for those dedicated to environmental protection and research, with potential earnings ranging from $71,140 to $153,960.
Several factors influence the **Environmental Scientist salary in Washington**. These include the specific industry of employment, such as government or private consulting, as well as the scientist's level of experience and specialized skills in areas like GIS or environmental remediation. Location within Washington, particularly in high-cost-of-living urban centers, also plays a role in determining overall compensation.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $71,140 |
| 25th percentile | $79,950 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $98,300 |
| 75th percentile | $127,770 |
| 90th percentile | $153,960 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,770 |
| 2023 | $84,760 |
| 2024 | $88,670 |
| 2025 | $98,300 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,198 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,770 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $84,760 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $88,670 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $98,300 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,198 | $84,845 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $79,950 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $98,300 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $127,770 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $153,960 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Environmental Scientist ($98,300 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in WA | $134,790 | +37.1% | $64.80/hr |
| Psychologist in WA | $115,240 | +17.2% | $55.40/hr |
| Medical Scientist in WA | $105,680 | +7.5% | $50.81/hr |
| Geoscientist in WA | $105,020 | +6.8% | $50.49/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in WA | $100,990 | +2.7% | $48.55/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in WA | $98,840 | +0.5% | $47.52/hr |
| Chemist in WA | $97,420 | -0.9% | $46.84/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in WA | $98,030 | -0.3% | $47.13/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in WA | $97,250 | -1.1% | $46.75/hr |
| Budget Analyst in WA | $96,640 | -1.7% | $46.46/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in WA | $99,960 | +1.7% | $48.06/hr |
| Librarian in WA | $100,030 | +1.8% | $48.09/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Environmental Scientists make in Washington?
- The median salary for an Environmental Scientist in Washington is $98,300 per year, which is approximately $47 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, by about 22.8%.
What is the typical salary range for Environmental Scientists in Washington?
- In Washington, Environmental Scientists typically earn between $71,140 and $153,960 annually. The median salary sits at $98,300, providing a good benchmark within this range.
How does the average Environmental Scientist salary in Washington compare to the rest of the country?
- Environmental Scientists in Washington earn 22.8% more than the national average. With a median salary of $98,300 annually, this represents a substantial earning potential.
What is the current job outlook for Environmental Scientists in Washington, and how much can they expect to earn?
- There are approximately 4,470 Environmental Scientists employed in Washington, with a median annual salary of $98,300. The salary range for these professionals is from $71,140 to $153,960.