As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Environmental Scientist in Aliso Viejo, CA is $95,880 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, an Environmental Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Environmental Scientist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Environmental Scientist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $81,591 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $95,336 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $112,471 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $137,546 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $167,938 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.16% |
| Microsoft Office | 2.05% |
| Design Engineering | 1.71% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Consultancy
|
$101,633 |
6%
|
|
Consulting
|
$99,715 |
4%
|
|
Construction Management
|
$99,715 |
4%
|
|
Environmental Consulting
|
$99,715 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$99,715 |
4%
|
|
Project Management
|
$99,715 |
4%
|
For Environmental Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Environmental Scientist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Environmental Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $124,644 | $60.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $119,850 | $58.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $115,056 | $55.0 | 20% |
| Media | $113,138 | $54.0 | 18% |
| Insurance | $110,262 | $53.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an Environmental Scientist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Environmental Scientist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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