ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Environmental Scientist Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$164,468/yr
Typical range: $150,137 – $181,278
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Environmental Scientist salary by experience level in Seattle
Environmental Scientist Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $79,188 | $6,599 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $99,899 | $8,325 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $114,518 | $9,543 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $130,356 | $10,863 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $164,468 | $13,706 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $190,783 | $15,899 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $197,361 | $16,447 | +149% |
Current Salary
$164,468
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $79/hr
Next Level Target
$190,783
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 Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Environmental Scientists in Seattle, WA earn approximately $164K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $164K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $79/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Environmental Scientist in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Environmental Scientist in Seattle, WA earns $150K–$181K/yr.