ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Environmental Scientist Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$162,790/yr
Typical range: $148,605 – $179,428
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Environmental Scientist salary by experience level in New York
Environmental Scientist Salary Progression in New York
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 | $78,380 | $6,532 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $98,880 | $8,240 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $113,350 | $9,446 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $129,026 | $10,752 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $162,790 | $13,566 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $188,836 | $15,736 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $195,348 | $16,279 | +149% |
Current Salary
$162,790
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $78/hr
Next Level Target
$188,836
Principal · 14
+$26Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Environmental Scientist salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Environmental Scientists in New York, NY earn approximately $163K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Environmental Scientist make per hour in New York, NY?
Based on $163K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $78/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Environmental Scientist in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Environmental Scientist in New York, NY earns $149K–$179K/yr.