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How much does a Environmental Scientist make?

The average salary for a Environmental Scientist is $74,942 per year in the US.

An Environmental Scientist helps to protect our planet. This role involves studying environmental issues and finding solutions. Their work helps to ensure a healthier world for everyone. They often work in offices, labs, or out in the field.

The salary for an Environmental Scientist varies based on experience and location. On average, they earn around $74,942 a year. The most experienced scientists can make more than $129,000 annually. Here are some average salaries:

  • Entry level: $44,000
  • Mid-level: $78,000
  • Senior level: $121,000

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What are the highest paying cities for a Environmental Scientist?

Cities like Seattle, Philadelphia, and Anchorage offer high salaries for Environmental Scientists. These professionals can expect to earn close to $100,000 or more in these locations. Job seekers should consider these cities when looking for top-paying opportunities in their field. Job seekers also find good pay in Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Honolulu. These cities provide salaries above $85,000, making them attractive places for Environmental Scientists. Boston, San Antonio, Providence, and Phoenix follow closely, offering salaries over $84,000.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Environmental Scientist jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $96,653 and Phoenix, AZ with the lowest at $84,097.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $96,653
    In Seattle, you’ll find work with leading tech firms and environmental organizations. Companies like Amazon and the City of Seattle focus on sustainable practices. Join a community that values green initiatives.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $92,896
    Philadelphia offers diverse roles with the state and federal government. Work on water quality and pollution control projects. The city's commitment to green spaces makes this a rewarding career.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  3. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $91,545
    Anchorage provides opportunities with state agencies and environmental consultancies. Projects often focus on managing natural resources and wildlife conservation. Be part of preserving the unique Alaskan environment.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Anchorage, AK


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $89,397
    In Los Angeles, jobs range from air quality research to water management. Companies like The Nature Conservancy and government agencies seek professionals to tackle pollution and sustainability. Be part of a city leading in green technologies.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $89,105
    Baltimore offers positions with local government and environmental NGOs. Focus on river and urban ecosystem projects. The city’s commitment to urban sustainability provides a vibrant work environment.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Baltimore, MD


  6. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $88,393
    Honolulu offers unique roles focusing on marine and coastal environments. Work with agencies to protect the state’s natural beauty. Be part of a community passionate about preserving its natural resources.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Honolulu, HI


  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $85,982
    Boston offers varied opportunities with universities and environmental firms. Projects often involve urban ecology and climate change. Join a city with a strong focus on green technology and sustainability.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Boston, MA


  8. San Antonio, TX
    Average Salary: $85,414
    San Antonio provides roles with local government and environmental consultancies. Focus on water management and air quality. The city’s growing green initiatives offer exciting career paths.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in San Antonio, TX


  9. Providence, RI
    Average Salary: $84,220
    Providence offers jobs with state agencies and environmental nonprofits. Projects often focus on water quality and habitat conservation. Be part of a community dedicated to environmental health.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Providence, RI


  10. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $84,097
    Phoenix offers positions with state agencies and environmental firms. Work on desert conservation and air quality projects. The city’s commitment to sustainability provides a dynamic work environment.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Phoenix, AZ

What are the best companies a Environmental Scientist can work for?

Environmental scientists can find some of the best pay with companies like Freeport-McMoRan, which offers an average salary of $106,698. For those interested in public service, the Department of Parks and Wildlife also provides a competitive salary of $105,420. Langan Engineering & Environmental Services is another top choice, offering an average salary of $95,386. These companies provide excellent opportunities for professionals in the field. Additionally, Ninyo & Moore Geotechnical and Environmental Sciences Consultants and Burns & McDonnell offer attractive salaries for environmental scientists, with averages of $93,929 and $90,684 respectively. Working for GPI / Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. or HDR can also be rewarding, with salaries averaging $90,308 and $87,007. These positions offer stability and good compensation.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Environmental Scientist jobs, highlighting Freeport-McMoRan with the highest at $106,698 and Tasman, Inc. with the lowest at $83,875.
  1. Freeport-McMoRan
    Average Salary: $106,698
    Freeport-McMoRan offers exciting Environmental Scientist jobs across the United States. The company focuses on sustainable mining practices and works on large-scale environmental projects. Locations include Arizona, Texas, and Nevada.


  2. Department of Parks and Wildlife
    Average Salary: $105,420
    The Department of Parks and Wildlife provides rewarding Environmental Scientist roles. They focus on conservation and managing natural resources. They operate in Washington State, protecting a variety of habitats and species.


  3. Langan Engineering & Environmental Services
    Average Salary: $95,386
    Langan Engineering offers dynamic Environmental Scientist positions. They focus on providing environmental consulting services. The company has offices across the U.S., including Pennsylvania and Florida, with a commitment to environmental protection.


  4. Ninyo & Moore Geotechnical and Environmental Sciences Consultants
    Average Salary: $93,929
    Ninyo & Moore offers impactful Environmental Scientist jobs. They provide geotechnical and environmental services. Their offices are in California and Nevada, focusing on site assessments and remediation.


  5. Burns & McDonnell
    Average Salary: $90,684
    Burns & McDonnell offers diverse Environmental Scientist roles. They work on large infrastructure projects nationwide. Locations include Missouri, Colorado, and Texas, with a focus on sustainable development.


  6. GPI / Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.
    Average Salary: $90,308
    GPI provides rewarding Environmental Scientist positions. They focus on environmental consulting and remediation. The company operates in several states, including Illinois and Michigan, dedicated to ecological preservation.


  7. HDR
    Average Salary: $87,007
    HDR offers various Environmental Scientist jobs. They focus on environmental engineering and consulting. They have offices in multiple states, including California and New York, with a commitment to sustainability.


  8. STATE OF NEW MEXICO-ALTSD
    Average Salary: $86,482
    The State of New Mexico offers Environmental Scientist jobs through the Alternate Laboratory Testing and Services Division. They focus on environmental testing and compliance. They operate in New Mexico, ensuring environmental safety and standards.


  9. State of Nevada
    Average Salary: $85,190
    The State of Nevada offers Environmental Scientist roles. They focus on environmental protection and conservation. They operate throughout Nevada, working to maintain the state's natural resources.


  10. Tasman, Inc.
    Average Salary: $83,875
    Tasman, Inc. provides Environmental Scientist positions. They focus on environmental management and consulting. They have offices in California and Arizona, with a commitment to environmental stewardship.

How to earn more as a Environmental Scientist?

Environmental scientists have many ways to increase their earnings. Gaining more skills and experience can lead to higher-paying jobs. Specializing in a specific area within environmental science can also make a candidate more valuable. Working in a high-demand industry can provide more job opportunities and better pay. Networking with other professionals can lead to job openings and salary negotiations. Continuing education and professional development can open doors to higher-paying positions.

Environmental scientists can increase their earnings by expanding their skill set. Learning new technologies and methodologies can make them more versatile and valuable. Certifications in areas such as GIS or hazardous materials can also boost salary potential. Collaborating with other professionals and participating in professional organizations can offer more career advancement opportunities. Keeping up with the latest trends and research in the field can keep their skills sharp and relevant.

Specializing in a specific area can make an environmental scientist more attractive to employers. Areas such as climate change, renewable energy, or conservation can offer more job opportunities and higher salaries. Gaining expertise in a niche can make them a go-to expert in their field. This can lead to consulting work, which often pays more than traditional employment. Focusing on a specific area can also open up opportunities for research and development, which can be lucrative.

Working in high-demand industries can lead to higher salaries for environmental scientists. Industries such as renewable energy, sustainability consulting, and pharmaceuticals often need skilled professionals. These industries tend to offer competitive salaries and benefits. Staying informed about industry trends and job market demands can help environmental scientists position themselves for higher-paying jobs. Networking with professionals in these industries can also lead to job opportunities and salary negotiations.

  1. Gain more skills and experience: Environmental scientists can increase their earnings by learning new skills and gaining experience.
  2. Specialize in a specific area: Focusing on a niche within environmental science can make them more valuable to employers.
  3. Work in high-demand industries: Industries such as renewable energy and pharmaceuticals often need skilled professionals.
  4. Network with other professionals: Building connections can lead to job openings and salary negotiations.
  5. Continue education and professional development: Staying current with trends and research can open doors to higher-paying positions.

Currently 260 Environmental Scientist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Environmental Scientist in the US?

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Environmental Scientist
260 Job Openings