Biologist vs Environmental Scientist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Biologist
Study living organisms and their interactions with the environment.
Environmental Scientist
Study environmental issues and develop solutions to protect ecosystems.
Biologist earns more on average — the national median is $5,531/year (8%) higher than a Environmental Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Biologist vs Environmental Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Biologist | Environmental Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $104,471 | $93,981 | Biologist +$10,490 |
| New York, NY | $85,420 | $79,495 | Biologist +$5,925 |
| Seattle, WA | $104,628 | $96,917 | Biologist +$7,711 |
| Austin, TX | $77,983 | $72,941 | Biologist +$5,042 |
| Chicago, IL | $76,685 | $69,521 | Biologist +$7,164 |
| Boston, MA | $92,985 | $87,770 | Biologist +$5,215 |
| London, UK | £54,717 | £51,309 | Biologist +$3,408 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$95,380 | CA$89,843 | Biologist +$5,537 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Biologist or Environmental Scientist earn more?+
A Biologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Biologist is $71,906/year, compared to $66,375/year for a Environmental Scientist — a difference of $5,531 (8%).
Which has better career growth — Biologist or Environmental Scientist?+
Biologist roles are growing at 6% YoY while Environmental Scientist demand is growing at 7% YoY. Environmental Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Biologist to Environmental Scientist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Data Analysis.
Which is harder to automate — Biologist or Environmental Scientist?+
Biologist has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.