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Environmental Scientist Salary in Ruston, LA

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

Median Salary
$51,310
per year in Ruston
Entry Level
$31,575
Starting salary
Senior Level
$72,360
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
78
22% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$31,575$51,310$72,360
Monthly$2,631$4,276$6,030
Biweekly$1,214$1,973$2,783
Weekly$607$987$1,392
Hourly$15$25$35

Ruston vs National Average

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

Ruston Salary
$51,310
COL Index: 78
National Average
$77,390
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$26,080
Lower in Ruston

Cost of Living in Ruston

1-Bedroom Rent
$640
per month
Median Income
$28,234
per year
Population
22,650
residents
Rent % of Income
27.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 78 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Ruston 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
+63%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,540
+98%
Chicago, IL
$96,410
+88%
Houston, TX
$79,520
+55%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,870
+54%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Environmental Scientist Salary in Ruston, LA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a environmental scientist in Ruston, LA is $51,310 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 78. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Ruston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level environmental scientist professionals in Ruston can expect to earn around $31,575 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level environmental scientists earning approximately $72,360 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Ruston's cost of living index of 78 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Ruston 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 Ruston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $640 per month, housing represents about 15.0% 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 Ruston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. 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.