ScienceUpdated Q1 2025

Environmental Scientist Salary
in Durham, NC

Study environmental conditions and develop solutions to protect ecosystems and human health. Median salary in Durham: $87K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$87K
per year
Take-home: $57K

Salary range in Durham

Entry level (25th)$63,000
Median (50th)$87,000
Senior (75th)$115,000
Top earner (90th)$152,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Durham, North Carolina.

Key facts for Durham

Median salary
$87K
annual
Take-home pay
$57K
after fed/state tax
COL index
100
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.75%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,500
per month
YoY growth
+4.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Durham Environmental Scientist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $87K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Durham

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

HistoricalProjected
Environmental Scientist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$73K$79K$86K$92K$98K201920212023202520272029
2026
$89K
projected
2027
$91K
projected
2028
$94K
projected
2029
$96K
projected
2030
$98K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$87,000+$0
2028 projected$87,000+$0
2029 projected$87,000+$0
2030 projected$87,000+$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 Durham, North Carolina: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Environmental Scientist salary in Durham, NC is $87,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Durham–NC 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 Durham

Entry-level Environmental Scientists in Durham with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $63,000 and $87,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $87,000 to $115,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $115,000 to $152,000 or more.

Cost of living in Durham for Environmental Scientists

Durham has a cost of living index of 100 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Durham are close to the national average. North Carolina has a 4.75% 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
Durham (current)$87K100
Charlotte100
Raleigh102
Greensboro88
Winston-Salem85
Fayetteville82