Environmental Scientist Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · High Demand
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $124,698 | +55.0% | High |
| District of Columbia | $122,284 | +52.0% | High |
| California | $114,239 | +42.0% | High |
| New York | $111,021 | +38.0% | High |
| Alaska | $106,194 | +32.0% | High |
| Massachusetts | $104,585 | +30.0% | High |
| New Jersey | $102,976 | +28.0% | High |
| Washington | $100,562 | +25.0% | High |
| Connecticut | $98,149 | +22.0% | High |
| Maryland | $92,518 | +15.0% | High |
| Rhode Island | $92,518 | +15.0% | High |
| New Hampshire | $91,713 | +14.0% | High |
| Oregon | $90,104 | +12.0% | High |
| Colorado | $88,495 | +10.0% | High |
| Virginia | $88,495 | +10.0% | High |
| Vermont | $86,886 | +8.0% | High |
| Delaware | $84,472 | +5.0% | High |
| Illinois | $84,472 | +5.0% | High |
| Maine | $82,059 | +2.0% | High |
| Nevada | $82,059 | +2.0% | High |
| Minnesota | $80,450 | +0.0% | High |
| Utah | $80,450 | +0.0% | High |
| Arizona | $79,646 | -1.0% | High |
| Pennsylvania | $79,646 | -1.0% | High |
| Florida | $78,841 | -2.0% | High |
| Montana | $76,428 | -5.0% | High |
| Texas | $76,428 | -5.0% | High |
| Georgia | $74,818 | -7.0% | High |
| Idaho | $74,818 | -7.0% | High |
| Wyoming | $74,818 | -7.0% | High |
| North Dakota | $74,014 | -8.0% | High |
| Wisconsin | $74,014 | -8.0% | High |
| North Carolina | $73,210 | -9.0% | High |
| Michigan | $72,405 | -10.0% | High |
| Louisiana | $70,796 | -12.0% | High |
| Nebraska | $70,796 | -12.0% | High |
| New Mexico | $70,796 | -12.0% | High |
| Ohio | $70,796 | -12.0% | High |
| South Carolina | $70,796 | -12.0% | High |
| Tennessee | $70,796 | -12.0% | High |
| Alabama | $69,992 | -13.0% | High |
| Missouri | $69,992 | -13.0% | High |
| South Dakota | $69,992 | -13.0% | High |
| Iowa | $69,187 | -14.0% | High |
| Indiana | $68,382 | -15.0% | High |
| Kansas | $68,382 | -15.0% | High |
| Oklahoma | $67,578 | -16.0% | High |
| Arkansas | $66,774 | -17.0% | High |
| Kentucky | $66,774 | -17.0% | High |
| Mississippi | $64,360 | -20.0% | High |
| West Virginia | $62,751 | -22.0% | High |
A Environmental Scientist's salary is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, employer type, and educational background. States with higher costs of living — such as California, New York, and Washington — typically offer 20–40% higher salaries than the national average to compensate for living expenses.
Experience plays a major role in compensation. Entry-level Environmental Scientists typically earn $50,552–$67,162 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $104,535–$119,094 annually. Specialization and advanced certifications can further boost earning potential.
Employer size also matters. Large corporations and government agencies tend to offer more competitive packages including benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. The Environmental Scientist role currently has high demand in the job market with a 4.2% growth rate, making it one of the most growing careers in the Science sector.
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What is the average salary for a Environmental Scientist?The average salary for a Environmental Scientist in the United States is $80,450 per year, with a median of $73,230.
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What is the starting salary for a Environmental Scientist?Entry-level Environmental Scientists typically earn between $50,552 and $67,162 per year depending on location and employer.
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What state pays Environmental Scientists the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay Environmental Scientists the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
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How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $80,450, a Environmental Scientist earns approximately $38.68 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
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Is Environmental Scientist a good career in 2026?Yes — the Environmental Scientist role has high demand with 4.2% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.