ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Environmental Scientist Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$75,451/yr
Typical range: $78,011 – $94,192
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Environmental Scientist salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Environmental Scientist Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $75,451 | $6,288 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $95,185 | $7,932 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $109,114 | $9,093 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $124,205 | $10,350 | +65% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $156,707 | $13,059 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $181,780 | $15,148 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $188,048 | $15,671 | +149% |
Current Salary
$75,451
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $36/hr
Next Level Target
$95,185
Junior · 2
+$20Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Environmental Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Entry Level Environmental Scientists in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $75K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Environmental Scientist make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $75K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $36/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Environmental Scientist in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Environmental Scientist in Los Angeles, CA earns $143K–$173K/yr.