As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Environmental Scientist in District of Columbia is $97,434 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
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 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 | $82,913 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $96,881 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $114,291 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $139,771 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $170,661 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Environmental Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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 | $126,664 | $61.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $121,793 | $59.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $116,921 | $56.0 | 20% |
| Media | $114,972 | $55.0 | 18% |
| Insurance | $112,049 | $54.0 | 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 July 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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