How much does a Environmental Scientist make?
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
What are the highest paying cities for a Environmental Scientist?

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

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



