ScienceUpdated Q1 2026

Environmental Scientist Salary
in Aurora, CO

Study environmental conditions and develop solutions to protect ecosystems and human health. Median salary in Aurora: $80K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$80K
per year
Take-home: $53K

Salary range in Aurora

Entry level (25th)$58,000
Median (50th)$80,000
Senior (75th)$105,000
Top earner (90th)$139,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Aurora, Colorado. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

Help build this dataset. Add your own Environmental Scientist salary so other workers in Aurora have better numbers to work with.
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What the numbers say for Aurora

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

5% premium vs national median

Environmental Scientists in Aurora earn approximately 5% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $4,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Aurora's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Cost-of-living adjusted picture

Adjusted for Aurora's cost-of-living index (112), the median Environmental Scientist salary buys the equivalent of $71,429 in a US-average-cost city. That's $4,571 less purchasing power than the national median β€” the higher nominal salary doesn't fully offset local costs.

Rent eats 38% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Aurora ($1,650/mo) consumes approximately 38% of an after-tax median Environmental Scientist salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($105K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Aurora

Median salary
$80K
annual
Take-home pay
$53K
after fed/state tax
COL index
112
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.55%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,650
per month
YoY growth
+4.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Aurora Environmental Scientist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $80K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Aurora

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Environmental Scientist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$67K$73K$79K$85K$91K201920212023202520272029
2026
$82K
projected
2027
$84K
projected
2028
$86K
projected
2029
$88K
projected
2030
$91K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$80,000+$0
2028 projected$80,000+$0
2029 projected$80,000+$0
2030 projected$80,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Environmental Scientist Salary in Aurora, Colorado: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Environmental Scientist salary in Aurora, CO is $80,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Aurora–CO metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Environmental Scientist in Aurora

Entry-level Environmental Scientists in Aurora with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $58,000 and $80,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $80,000 to $105,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $105,000 to $139,000 or more.

Cost of living in Aurora for Environmental Scientists

Aurora has a cost of living index of 112 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Aurora are close to the national average. Colorado has a 4.55% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Environmental Scientist

Bachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science. 30% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Environmental Scientist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Aurora (current)$80K112
Denver$85K118
Colorado Springs$74K102
Fort Collins$85K112
Lakewood$87K115
Thornton$82K108