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Environmental Scientist Salary in Charleston, SC

How much does a environmental scientist make in Charleston? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Charleston's cost of living.

Median Salary
$79,470
per year in Charleston
Entry Level
$48,905
Starting salary
Senior Level
$112,073
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
118
18% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how environmental scientist salaries break down across different pay periods in Charleston.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$48,905$79,470$112,073
Monthly$4,075$6,623$9,339
Biweekly$1,881$3,057$4,311
Weekly$940$1,528$2,155
Hourly$24$38$54

Charleston vs National Average

How Charleston's environmental scientist salaries compare to national figures.

Charleston Salary
$79,470
COL Index: 118
National Average
$77,390
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$2,080
Higher in Charleston

Cost of Living in Charleston

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$58,234
per year
Population
150,227
residents
Rent % of Income
34.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 118 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Charleston have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Environmental Scientist

Overview

Monitor and protect the environment and assess environmental impacts.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field

Key Skills

Environmental AnalysisField WorkData CollectionRegulatory Knowledge

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Environmental Scientist Salary

See Environmental Scientist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$83,510
+5%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,540
+28%
Chicago, IL
$96,410
+21%
Houston, TX
$79,520
+0%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,870
-1%

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Environmental Scientist Salary in Charleston, SC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a environmental scientist in Charleston, SC is $79,470 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 118. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Charleston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level environmental scientist professionals in Charleston can expect to earn around $48,905 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level environmental scientists earning approximately $112,073 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Charleston's cost of living index of 118 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Charleston are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $77,390, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a environmental scientist's salary in Charleston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 24.9% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Environmental Scientists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Charleston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.