Study environmental conditions and develop solutions to protect ecosystems and human health. Median salary in Independence: $65K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.
Figures represent annual base salary in Independence, Missouri. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →
Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.
Environmental Scientists in Independence earn approximately 14% lower than the US national median for this role — a $11,000 discount on annual base salary. Independence's lower wage level partially reflects the area's cost-of-living index of 85 (US avg = 100).
Average 1-bedroom rent in Independence ($1,050/mo) consumes approximately 30% of an after-tax median Environmental Scientist salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home — a salary at the 75th percentile ($85K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.
Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $65K by 2030.
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The median Environmental Scientist salary in Independence, MO is $65,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Independence–MO 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.
Entry-level Environmental Scientists in Independence with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $47,000 and $65,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $65,000 to $85,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $85,000 to $112,000 or more.
Independence has a cost of living index of 85 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 15% further in Independence than the national average. Missouri has a 5.3% state income tax rate.
Bachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science. 30% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.