ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Environmental Scientist Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$74,530/yr
Typical range: $77,059 – $93,042
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Environmental Scientist salary by experience level in Washington DC
Environmental Scientist Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $74,530 | $6,211 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $94,023 | $7,835 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $107,782 | $8,982 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $122,688 | $10,224 | +65% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $154,794 | $12,900 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $179,561 | $14,963 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $185,752 | $15,479 | +149% |
Current Salary
$74,530
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $36/hr
Next Level Target
$94,023
Junior · 2
+$19Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Environmental Scientist salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Environmental Scientists in Washington DC, DC 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 Washington DC, DC?
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 Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Environmental Scientist in Washington DC, DC earns $141K–$171K/yr.