Average Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary in Washington
Environmental Scientists and Specialists in Washington earn an impressive average annual salary of $94,940, significantly surpassing the national average of $91,550. This higher compensation reflects the state's robust environmental regulations, strong emphasis on conservation, and the presence of numerous industries requiring specialized environmental expertise, all contributing to a premium for these critical roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $94,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $134,320.
- Outlook: Washington boasts a substantial workforce of 4,280 Environmental Scientists and Specialists, indicating a significant presence in the state's economy. The Location Quotient of 2.2 further underscores this, revealing that this profession is more than twice as concentrated in Washington compared to the national average. This high concentration suggests robust demand and a thriving job market for environmental professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Washington earns+3.7%above the national average.
$45.7
$1,826
$7,912
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 in Washington have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing environmental awareness, stricter regulatory frameworks, and the growing need for sustainable practices across various industries, all of which contribute to upward pressure on compensation.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Distribution in Washington
Career progression for Environmental Scientists and Specialists in Washington is clearly reflected in salary potential. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries signifies substantial opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as expertise and responsibility grow.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $61,170 | $29.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $71,205 | $34.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $88,670 | $42.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $118,675 | $57.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $134,320 | $64.6 |
Detailed Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$94,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$82,485
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
While the average annual salary of $94,940 is attractive, it's crucial to consider Washington's Cost of Living Index of 115.1. This index indicates that living expenses in Washington are approximately 15.1% higher than the national average. Therefore, while the nominal salary is strong, the purchasing power of $94,940 in Washington will be somewhat reduced compared to a lower-cost-of-living state with a comparable salary.
Job Market Context
4,280
Total Jobs
1.21
Per 1K Jobs
2.2
Location Quotient
Washington has 2.2x 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 2.2, Washington presents a highly concentrated market for Environmental Scientists and Specialists. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is significantly higher relative to the national average, making the job market competitive but also indicative of abundant opportunities. Companies in Washington actively seek out this specialized talent, creating a dynamic environment for both employers and job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Comparing salaries near Washington
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Washington is $94,940. This typically ranges from $61,170 for entry-level positions to $134,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 3.7% higher than the national median of $91,550.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
Yes, Washington is a lucrative location for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths.The state offers an average salary significantly above the national average, coupled with a high concentration of these roles, indicating strong demand and competitive compensation.
Is Washington a good place to live for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($99,720) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
What is the average salary for an Environmental Scientist in Washington?
The average annual salary for an Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health in Washington is $94,940.
How does Washington's salary compare to the national average?
Environmental Scientists and Specialists in Washington earn approximately $3,390 more annually than the national average of $91,550.
Is there high demand for Environmental Scientists in Washington?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 2.2 indicates that Environmental Scientists and Specialists are more than twice as concentrated in Washington compared to the national average, suggesting high demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Washington?
Washington's Cost of Living Index of 115.1 means that expenses are about 15.1% higher than the national average, which slightly offsets the higher nominal salary when considering purchasing power.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,280 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 1.21 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 Washington