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How much does a Environmental Scientist make?

The average salary for a Environmental Scientist is $70,035 per year in the US.

Environmental scientists study the natural world to protect it. They work to solve problems like pollution and climate change. These scientists earn a good salary for their important work. The average yearly salary for an environmental scientist is around $70,000. This means they make a solid income for their efforts.


The salary for environmental scientists can vary based on experience and location. Some earn less than $50,000 a year, while others make over $100,000. The top 10% of earners make more than $120,000 annually. This range shows that with more experience, the salary can grow. Many find this career rewarding both financially and personally.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Environmental Scientist?

Environmental scientists in San Francisco, CA, enjoy some of the highest salaries in the field. With an average salary of $99,782, this city offers excellent opportunities for those in the industry. Seattle, WA, and Anchorage, AK, also provide competitive wages, making them attractive locations for job seekers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Environmental Scientist jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $99,782 and Reno, NV with the lowest at $78,387.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $99,782
    In San Francisco, professionals in this field work with tech companies and environmental organizations. They focus on sustainable practices and green technologies. Companies like Google and Salesforce value their expertise.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $94,930
    Seattle offers a vibrant environment for those in this role. They collaborate with tech giants and environmental nonprofits. Companies such as Amazon and Microsoft are leaders in sustainability.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $91,807
    In Anchorage, experts work on projects related to the unique Alaskan environment. They focus on wildlife conservation and climate change. Local government and research institutions are key employers.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Anchorage, AK


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $90,039
    Los Angeles provides a diverse range of opportunities. Professionals here work on air quality and water conservation. Major companies like Disney and Universal Studios value their work.
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  5. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $89,191
    In Washington, DC, roles in this field often involve government and policy work. They focus on environmental regulations and conservation efforts. Agencies like the EPA and NGOs are prominent employers.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Washington, DC


  6. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $86,925
    Chicago offers a mix of urban and industrial challenges. Professionals here work on pollution control and green infrastructure. Companies like McDonald's and Boeing value environmental expertise.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $82,909
    Denver provides a dynamic environment for this career. They focus on water management and renewable energy. Companies such as Coors and Xcel Energy are key employers.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Denver, CO


  8. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $81,468
    In Boston, professionals work with universities and tech firms. They focus on environmental research and sustainability. Companies like General Electric and Harvard University are leaders in the field.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $80,157
    Baltimore offers a mix of urban and natural environments. Professionals here work on water quality and urban green spaces. Local government and environmental nonprofits are key employers.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Baltimore, MD


  10. Reno, NV
    Average Salary: $78,387
    In Reno, experts focus on water conservation and land management. They work with government agencies and research institutions. The University of Nevada, Reno is a major employer.
    Find Environmental Scientist jobs in Reno, NV

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

Environmental scientists can find rewarding careers with top-paying companies. The Environmental Protection Agency offers an average salary of $109,723. King County, WA, provides a competitive $107,161. These companies value environmental expertise and offer excellent compensation. Other notable employers include CDM Smith, Freeport-McMoRan, and Anchor QEA. These firms also provide strong salaries and benefits. For example, CDM Smith pays an average of $104,551. Freeport-McMoRan and Anchor QEA offer around $98,900 and $91,089, respectively. These positions attract skilled professionals committed to environmental protection.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Environmental Scientist jobs, highlighting Environmental Protection Agency with the highest at $109,723 and State of Nevada with the lowest at $80,162.
  1. Environmental Protection Agency
    Average Salary: $109,723
    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers rewarding Environmental Scientist jobs. They work on national projects to protect human health and the environment. The EPA operates across the United States, with major offices in Washington, D.C., and regional offices in ten regions.


  2. King County, WA
    Average Salary: $107,161
    King County, Washington, provides excellent opportunities for Environmental Scientists. They focus on local environmental issues, including water quality and waste management. The county operates in the Seattle metropolitan area, offering a vibrant work environment.


  3. CDM Smith
    Average Salary: $104,551
    CDM Smith is a global consulting firm with a strong focus on environmental science. They offer diverse projects in sustainability and environmental management. The company operates in multiple countries, including the United States, Europe, and Asia.


  4. Freeport-McMoRan
    Average Salary: $98,900
    Freeport-McMoRan is a leading mining company with Environmental Scientist roles focused on sustainability and environmental impact. They operate in various locations worldwide, including the United States, Indonesia, and Chile.


  5. Anchor QEA
    Average Salary: $91,089
    Anchor QEA provides consulting services in environmental and economic analysis. They offer challenging projects in environmental assessment and regulatory compliance. The company operates in the United States and Canada.


  6. Ninyo & Moore
    Average Salary: $88,077
    Ninyo & Moore is a consulting firm specializing in environmental and engineering services. They offer roles in environmental impact assessment and regulatory compliance. The company operates in the United States, with offices in California and Washington.


  7. Burns & McDonnell
    Average Salary: $86,805
    Burns & McDonnell is an engineering firm that provides environmental consulting services. They focus on sustainable design and environmental management. The company operates in the United States and internationally.


  8. Stantec
    Average Salary: $82,225
    Stantec is a global design and consulting firm with a strong focus on environmental science. They offer roles in environmental assessment and sustainability. The company operates in North America, Europe, and Asia.


  9. WSP
    Average Salary: $81,595
    WSP is a leading engineering and consulting firm with a focus on environmental services. They offer roles in environmental impact assessment and sustainability. The company operates in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.


  10. State of Nevada
    Average Salary: $80,162
    The State of Nevada offers Environmental Scientist jobs focused on state-level environmental protection and management. They work on projects related to water resources, air quality, and waste management. The state operates across Nevada, with major offices in Carson City.

How to earn more as a Environmental Scientist?

Environmental scientists can increase their earning potential by focusing on several key areas. Gaining specialized knowledge and certifications can enhance job prospects and salary. For example, obtaining certifications in areas like hazardous waste management or environmental law can make a candidate more attractive to employers. Continuing education and staying updated with the latest environmental regulations and technologies also play a significant role in career advancement.

Experience in the field is another crucial factor. Working on diverse projects and gaining a broad range of experiences can lead to higher-paying positions. Networking with other professionals and joining relevant organizations can open up new opportunities and lead to higher-paying roles. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or project management responsibilities can also boost earning potential. Finally, relocating to areas with higher demand for environmental scientists can lead to better-paying positions. Each of these factors can contribute to a more successful and lucrative career in environmental science.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as an environmental scientist:

  1. Obtain specialized certifications
  2. Gain diverse work experience
  3. Network with other professionals
  4. Take on leadership roles
  5. Relocate to high-demand areas

Currently 168 Environmental Scientist job openings, nationwide.

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

Learn what a Environmental Scientist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Environmental Scientist today.
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Environmental Scientist
168 Job Openings