Research Scientist vs Environmental Scientist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Research Scientist
Conduct experiments and research to advance knowledge in scientific fields.
Environmental Scientist
Study environmental issues and develop solutions to protect ecosystems.
Research Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $15,115/year (23%) higher than a Environmental Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Research Scientist vs Environmental Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Research Scientist | Environmental Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $116,069 | $93,981 | Research +$22,088 |
| New York, NY | $96,854 | $79,495 | Research +$17,359 |
| Seattle, WA | $116,232 | $96,917 | Research +$19,315 |
| Austin, TX | $93,039 | $72,941 | Research +$20,098 |
| Chicago, IL | $87,810 | $69,521 | Research +$18,289 |
| Boston, MA | $108,434 | $87,770 | Research +$20,664 |
| London, UK | £61,973 | £51,309 | Research +$10,664 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$107,273 | CA$89,843 | Research +$17,430 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Scientist or Environmental Scientist earn more?+
A Research Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Research Scientist is $81,490/year, compared to $66,375/year for a Environmental Scientist — a difference of $15,115 (23%).
Which has better career growth — Research Scientist or Environmental Scientist?+
Research Scientist roles are growing at 8% YoY while Environmental Scientist demand is growing at 7% YoY. Research Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Research Scientist 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 — Research Scientist or Environmental Scientist?+
Research Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.