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Average Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary in North Carolina

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $74,660. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,550, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's industries. The concentration of these roles and the overall economic landscape in North Carolina contribute to this localized pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $74,660 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $106,650.
  • Outlook: North Carolina supports a robust workforce of 4,330 Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health. With a Location Quotient of 1.6, indicating a concentration 60% higher than the national average, the demand for these professionals in the state is significantly pronounced. This suggests a healthy and active job market for environmental science roles within North Carolina.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$74,660

The average Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in North Carolina earns-18.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$35.9

Weekly

$1,436

Monthly

$6,222

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Distribution in North Carolina

Salary progression for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in North Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior roles with extensive expertise and leadership responsibilities command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential as professionals gain experience.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$47,160$22.7
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$55,995$26.9
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$65,800$31.6
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$93,325$44.9
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$106,650$51.3

Detailed Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$74,660

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$78,672

Adjusted for COL (94.9)

The nominal average salary of $74,660 in North Carolina presents a favorable financial picture when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 94.9. Since the index is below the national average of 100, the purchasing power of an Environmental Scientist's salary in North Carolina is likely higher than the raw salary figure suggests, offering a good standard of living.

Job Market Context

4,330

Total Jobs

0.883

Per 1K Jobs

1.6

Location Quotient

Major Hub

North Carolina has 1.6x 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.

North Carolina's Location Quotient of 1.6 for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health signifies a substantial concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market where employers may actively seek talent, and professionals can find a greater number of opportunities relative to the general workforce.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Comparing salaries near North Carolina

Hiring Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health make in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in North Carolina is $74,660. This typically ranges from $47,160 for entry-level positions to $106,650 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 18.4% lower than the national median of $91,550.

Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $74,660 is below the national average, North Carolina's lower cost of living (94.9) enhances purchasing power, and the high concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.6) suggests strong local demand.

Is North Carolina a good place to live for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?

With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?

Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($76,910) and Winston-Salem, NC.

How does the number of Environmental Scientists in North Carolina compare nationally?

North Carolina employs 4,330 Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health, which, when adjusted for workforce size via the Location Quotient of 1.6, indicates a higher concentration than the national average.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in North Carolina?

An LQ of 1.6 means North Carolina has 60% more Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health per worker than the national average, signaling a strong regional specialization and demand.

How does the cost of living in North Carolina affect the Environmental Scientist salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9, North Carolina is more affordable than the national average (100), meaning the $74,660 salary likely offers a better real value and purchasing power for residents.

What are the typical career paths for Environmental Scientists in North Carolina?

Career paths often involve progression from entry-level roles to senior scientist or specialist positions, with salary increases reflecting accumulated experience, specialized skills, and project management responsibilities.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,330 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 0.883 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.