ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Environmental Scientist Salary in Austin
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$86,662/yr
Typical range: $74,810 – $113,617
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Environmental Scientist salary by experience level in Austin
Environmental Scientist Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $59,926 | $4,994 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $75,599 | $6,300 | +26% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $86,662 | $7,222 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $98,648 | $8,221 | +65% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $124,462 | $10,372 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $144,376 | $12,031 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $149,354 | $12,446 | +149% |
Current Salary
$86,662
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $42/hr
Next Level Target
$98,648
Senior · 6
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Environmental Scientist salary in Austin, TX?
3–5 Years Experience Environmental Scientists in Austin, TX earn approximately $87K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Environmental Scientist make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $87K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $42/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Environmental Scientist in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Environmental Scientist in Austin, TX earns $114K–$137K/yr.