📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Environmental Scientist Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$73,210
per year
Median
$66,639
per year
Hourly
$35.2
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$46,003
25th Percentile — Junior$61,118
50th Percentile — Median$66,639
75th Percentile — Senior$95,127
90th Percentile — Top Earners$108,376
💡 Top-earning Environmental Scientists in North Carolina make up to $108,376 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$59.6k
2021
$62.1k
2022
$64.7k
2023
$67.4k
2024
$70.3k
2025
$73.2k
2026
📈 Environmental Scientist salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 4.2% annual growth. The strong demand in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Environmental Scientist Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $70,282 -4.0% High
Raleigh $71,746 -2.0% High
Greensboro $65,889 -10.0% High
Durham $71,014 -3.0% High
Winston-Salem $63,693 -13.0% High
🔍
Environmental Scientist Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Environmental Scientists. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $73,210 per year, North Carolina's Environmental Scientist salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $46,003–$61,118, while experienced Environmental Scientists can command $95,127–$108,376.

Looking ahead, the Environmental Scientist profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 4.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Environmental Scientist salary in North Carolina is $73,210 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $80,450.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Environmental Scientists the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Environmental Scientist employment.
  • At $73,210/year, North Carolina Environmental Scientist salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $80,450/year.