Environmental Scientist Salary in Fairfax, VA
How much does a environmental scientist make in Fairfax? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Fairfax's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
See how environmental scientist salaries break down across different pay periods in Fairfax.
| Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $65,837 | $106,984 | $150,875 |
| Monthly | $5,486 | $8,915 | $12,573 |
| Biweekly | $2,532 | $4,115 | $5,803 |
| Weekly | $1,266 | $2,057 | $2,901 |
| Hourly | $32 | $51 | $73 |
Fairfax vs National Average
How Fairfax's environmental scientist salaries compare to national figures.
Cost of Living in Fairfax
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
Growth Rate
Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade
Compare Cities: Environmental Scientist Salary
See Environmental Scientist salaries in other top cities.
Financial Tools to Explore
Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a environmental scientist salary in Fairfax.
Salary Breakdown Calculator
See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.
Cost of Living Calculator
Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Fairfax.
Budget Calculator
Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Fairfax.
Environmental Scientist Salary in Fairfax, VA — Complete Guide
Median Salary Overview
The median salary for a environmental scientist in Fairfax, VA is $106,984 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 128. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Fairfax's unique economic conditions.
Salary Range and Experience Levels
Entry-level environmental scientist professionals in Fairfax can expect to earn around $65,837 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level environmental scientists earning approximately $150,875 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.
Cost of Living Adjustment
Fairfax's cost of living index of 128 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Fairfax 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 Fairfax typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 18.5% 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 Fairfax, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.