Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $88,860. This figure is slightly below the national average of $91,550, suggesting a localized market dynamic that influences compensation. Factors such as regional industry demand, the presence of specific research institutions, and the overall economic landscape of the Research Triangle Park area likely contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $88,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.4% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $140,280.
- Outlook: The job market for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 500 professionals. The location quotient of 2.63 signifies a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, pointing towards strong regional demand and a specialized job market within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-2.9%below the national average.
$42.7
$1,709
$7,405
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing environmental regulations, a greater focus on sustainability, and advancements in scientific research and technology, all of which are prevalent in the Research Triangle Park region.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Career progression for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, is strongly reflected in salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive project management experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $47,330 | $22.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $66,645 | $32 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $79,180 | $38.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $111,075 | $53.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $140,280 | $67.4 |
Detailed Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$88,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$88,860
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $88,860 in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Environmental Scientist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial standing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
1.447
Per 1K Jobs
2.63
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 2.6x the national concentration of Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.63, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health. This indicates that the region has a disproportionately large number of these professionals relative to the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially competitive job market driven by strong local industry needs, such as research, environmental consulting, and public health initiatives.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $88,860. This typically ranges from $47,330 for entry-level positions to $140,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 2.9% lower than the national median of $91,550.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
Yes, with a caveat.The average salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making it financially comparable. The high concentration of jobs suggests strong demand.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($76,210) and Greensboro-High Point, NC.
How does the number of Environmental Scientists in Durham-Chapel Hill compare nationally?
With 1.447 jobs per 1,000 workers, the concentration is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong presence of this profession in the local economy.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill?
An LQ of 2.63 means there are more than 2.5 times the number of Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Durham-Chapel Hill compared to the national average, highlighting specialized regional demand.
Does the cost of living affect the value of an Environmental Scientist's salary in Durham-Chapel Hill?
No, the cost of living index is exactly 100, meaning the $88,860 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What factors might contribute to the slightly lower average salary compared to the national average?
Potential factors include the specific mix of industries, the prevalence of academic institutions versus private sector heavy industry, and regional economic conditions that may influence salary benchmarks.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 1.447 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC