Environmental Scientist Salaries

1. San Francisco, CA
   Average Salary: $103,491
   In San Francisco, professionals find rewarding roles in sustainability and green tech. Companies like Tesla and Salesforce actively seek experts to drive environmental initiatives. The city’s tech-forward culture offers unique opportunities to blend science with innovation.
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2. Seattle, WA
   Average Salary: $98,117
   Seattle is a hub for environmental advocacy and research. With companies like Amazon and Microsoft investing in sustainability, there are ample opportunities to influence eco-friendly policies. The city’s commitment to green energy and clean water keeps the field dynamic and impactful.
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3. Los Angeles, CA
   Average Salary: $92,215
   In Los Angeles, professionals work in diverse environments, from beaches to mountains. Major firms such as The Nature Conservancy and AECOM focus on pollution control and urban planning. The city’s vast natural settings provide a rich backdrop for fieldwork and research.
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4. Anchorage, AK
   Average Salary: $87,315
   Anchorage offers unique environmental challenges and opportunities. Companies like BP and ConocoPhillips focus on oil spill prevention and wildlife conservation. The city’s remote location and rich biodiversity present distinct tasks for those in the field.
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5. Phoenix, AZ
   Average Salary: $85,264
   Phoenix combines desert landscapes with urban sprawl. Professionals here work on water conservation and air quality. Companies such as Freeport-McMoRan and Honeywell seek experts to address environmental challenges in a growing metropolitan area.
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6. Chicago, IL
   Average Salary: $82,396
   In Chicago, professionals engage with environmental issues affecting a major urban center. Firms like Exelon and Boeing focus on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. The city’s initiatives in green infrastructure provide a strong platform for impactful work.
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7. Providence, RI
   Average Salary: $81,879
   Providence offers a mix of urban and natural environments. Brown University and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management are key players in environmental education and policy. Professionals here can influence local and state-level environmental strategies.
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8. Washington, DC
   Average Salary: $81,710
   In Washington, D.C., professionals have the chance to shape national environmental policy. Agencies like the EPA and companies such as CH2M provide opportunities to work on significant, large-scale projects. The city’s political environment adds a layer of influence to the work.
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9. Boston, MA
   Average Salary: $81,550
   Boston combines a historic setting with a focus on innovation. Companies like Massport and the state’s environmental agencies focus on climate change and green energy. The city’s commitment to sustainability offers a fertile ground for impactful environmental work.
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10. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $80,728
    Baltimore provides a mix of urban and natural environments. Professionals work on river and air quality with organizations like the Chesapeake Bay Program. The city’s focus on revitalization and green spaces creates a supportive environment for environmental initiatives.
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1. King County, WA
   Average Salary: $108,109
   King County offers numerous Environmental Scientist jobs, focusing on sustainability and natural resource management. They operate throughout Washington state, with a strong presence in Seattle and its surrounding areas.
   

   
   

2. Freeport-McMoRan
   Average Salary: $101,638
   Freeport-McMoRan is a global mining leader offering various Environmental Scientist positions. They work in multiple countries, with significant operations in the United States, Chile, and Indonesia.
   

   
   

3. Burns & McDonnell
   Average Salary: $95,714
   Burns & McDonnell provides Environmental Scientist jobs with a focus on engineering and consulting. Their projects span across the United States, including key locations in Kansas City, Missouri, and Denver, Colorado.
   

   
   

4. Langan Engineering and Environmental Services
   Average Salary: $85,396
   Langan Engineering offers Environmental Scientist roles that emphasize environmental consulting and remediation. They have offices in several states, with notable operations in Pennsylvania and California.
   

   
   

5. State of Nevada
   Average Salary: $83,548
   The State of Nevada provides opportunities for Environmental Scientists, focusing on environmental protection and conservation. Their projects are located across Nevada, with a significant presence in Las Vegas.
   

   
   

6. Stantec
   Average Salary: $81,805
   Stantec offers a variety of Environmental Scientist positions, with a focus on consulting and engineering services. They have offices in multiple countries, including key locations in Canada and the United States.
   

   
   

7. Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.
   Average Salary: $80,203
   Geosyntec Consultants offers Environmental Scientist jobs that emphasize environmental consulting and site assessment. They operate in several states, with a strong presence in Illinois and California.
   

   
   

8. State of Utah
   Average Salary: $78,459
   The State of Utah offers Environmental Scientist jobs focused on natural resource management and environmental protection. Their projects are located throughout the state, with a significant presence in Salt Lake City.
   

   
   

9. Barr Engineering
   Average Salary: $78,349
   Barr Engineering provides Environmental Scientist roles that focus on environmental consulting and engineering. They have offices in several states, with notable operations in Pennsylvania and California.
   

   
   

10. Tighe & Bond
    Average Salary: $78,308
    Tighe & Bond offers Environmental Scientist jobs that emphasize environmental consulting and project management. They operate in several states, with a strong presence in California and Florida.
    

Environmental scientists can find various ways to increase their earnings. Specialization in a niche area, such as climate change or pollution control, often attracts higher pay. Gaining certifications can also boost earning potential. For example, becoming a licensed environmental consultant or a certified hazardous materials manager can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Experience plays a key role as well. Working in the field for several years builds expertise and credibility, making one more valuable to potential employers.

Networking with other professionals can open doors to high-paying positions. Attending industry conferences and joining professional organizations can create opportunities. Lastly, pursuing advanced degrees can significantly increase earning potential. A master’s or doctorate in environmental science, geology, or a related field can lead to higher-paying roles, such as research positions or leadership positions in environmental agencies.

Consider these factors to earn more as an environmental scientist:

• Specialization in a niche area
• Obtaining professional certifications
• Building experience in the field
• Networking with industry professionals
• Pursuing advanced degrees