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Environmental Scientist Salary in Tucson, AZ

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

Median Salary
$72,510
per year in Tucson
Entry Level
$44,622
Starting salary
Senior Level
$102,258
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
99
1% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$44,622$72,510$102,258
Monthly$3,719$6,043$8,522
Biweekly$1,716$2,789$3,933
Weekly$858$1,394$1,967
Hourly$21$35$49

Tucson vs National Average

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

Tucson Salary
$72,510
COL Index: 99
National Average
$77,390
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$4,880
Lower in Tucson

Cost of Living in Tucson

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$52,456
per year
Population
525,796
residents
Rent % of Income
29.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 99 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Tucson 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
+15%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,540
+40%
Chicago, IL
$96,410
+33%
Houston, TX
$79,520
+10%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,870
+9%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Environmental Scientist Salary in Tucson, AZ — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a environmental scientist in Tucson, AZ is $72,510 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Tucson's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level environmental scientist professionals in Tucson can expect to earn around $44,622 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level environmental scientists earning approximately $102,258 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Tucson's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Tucson 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 Tucson typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 21.5% 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 Tucson, 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.