Environmental scientists study the interactions of natural and man-made environment.
Environmental scientists use their knowledge of science to research environmental issues and develop solutions to them. These scientists use a spectrum of fields of study, including biology, ecology and geology to understand the causes of environmental problems and establish methods to eliminate or deal with the negative environmental effects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not differentiate between starting salaries and those for experienced scientists, so the salaries reported here may be lower for the average entry-level position.
National Averages
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there were about 83,530 environmental scientists in 2009, earning an average salary of about $32.38 an hour or about $67,360 per year. Environmental scientists in the lowest 10th percentile of earners made an average of $17.85 an hour or about $37,120 a year, while those in the middle 50 percent made an average of about $29.33 an hour or $61,010 per year.
Most Common Sectors
The "state government" sector of the economy employed the highest number of environmental scientists in 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The estimated 20,140 scientists in this sector took in an average salary of about $27.15 an hour or about $56,480 per year. The scientists employed in the next-most common sector, the "management, scientific and technical consulting services" sector, made an average of $35.32 an hour or about $73,470 per year.
Highest Paying Sectors
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the "computer systems design and related services" sector paid environmental scientists the highest average wages out of all sectors in 2009. These scientists made an average of $45.39 an hour or about $94,410 per year. Those in the second-highest paying sector, the "federal executive branch," earned an average wage of $45.05 an hour or about $93,700 per year.
Geographic Differences
Environmental scientists in the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Virginia, California and Illinois had the highest average wages out of all states in 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those in the District of Columbia had the highest average wages, earning $50.42 an hour or about $104,880 per year, while those in the fifth-highest paying state, Illinois, earned an average of $35.48 an hour or about $73,800 a year.
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