Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area earn an average annual salary of $82,280. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,550, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different industry focus influence compensation in this region. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the local economic context is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $82,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,450.
- Outlook: The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood area has a concentrated workforce of 210 Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health, with a Location Quotient of 0.67. This indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While the total workforce size is modest, the demand, represented by 0.371 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggests a stable but not exceptionally robust job market for this specialized field.
Salary Overview
The average Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-10.1%below the national average.
$39.6
$1,582
$6,857
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood area is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing environmental regulations, a greater focus on sustainability, and the ongoing need for expertise in managing natural resources and mitigating environmental impacts.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Career progression for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify the career trajectory and the rewards associated with advancing expertise and taking on greater responsibilities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $50,220 | $24.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $61,710 | $29.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $77,590 | $37.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $102,850 | $49.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $99,450 | $47.8 |
Detailed Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$82,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$82,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $82,280 in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing for residents. While the nominal salary is below the national average for the profession, the stable cost of living ensures that the take-home pay maintains its value relative to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
0.371
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 0.67x the national average concentration of Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.67, the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI market for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the field may not be as deeply established or as competitive as in other regions. Professionals might find a less saturated job market, potentially offering unique advantages for those seeking specialized roles or looking to establish themselves in a growing area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Hiring Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $82,280. This typically ranges from $50,220 for entry-level positions to $99,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 10.1% lower than the national median of $91,550.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $82,280 is below the national average of $91,550, although the cost of living is also at the national average, maintaining purchasing power.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kalamazoo-Portage, MI ($76,010) and Battle Creek, MI.
How does the Grand Rapids salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Grand Rapids is $82,280, which is approximately $9,270 less than the national average of $91,550.
What is the Cost of Living in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The Cost of Living Index for Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the job market for Environmental Scientists in Grand Rapids?
The job market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.67, suggesting fewer professionals in this field relative to the overall workforce compared to the national landscape.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.67 mean for Environmental Scientists in Grand Rapids?
A Location Quotient of 0.67 signifies that Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health are less prevalent in the Grand Rapids area than the national average, indicating a potentially less competitive but also less specialized market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 0.371 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI