SOC 19-2041 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health — Atlanta
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA · 5 metro areas compared
At $87,820, median pay for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Atlanta, GA tracks the national median of $82,220 closely.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
At $87,820, median pay for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Atlanta, GA tracks the national median of $82,220 closely. Pay ranges from under $58,020 at the tenth percentile to more than $141,380 at the ninetieth, with the interquartile range running from $69,680 to $116,670.
Employment stands at 1,160, or 0.4 jobs per thousand held locally. Within the state, Columbus records the highest median at $92,170. Of the 687 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 151st.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $58,020 | −29.4% |
| 25th | $69,680 | −15.3% |
| Median (50th) | $87,820 | +6.8% |
| 75th | $116,670 | +41.9% |
| 90th | $141,380 | +72.0% |
| Mean | $99,060 | +20.5% |
Other metro areas in Georgia
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbus | $92,170 | 40 | |
| 2 | Augusta | $90,340 | 60 | |
| 3 | Dalton | $88,370 | 40 | |
| 4 | Warner Robins | $84,670 | 50 | |
| 5 | Athens | $76,200 | 40 |
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in Atlanta run 3.7% below the national average, so the median of $87,820 goes as far as $91,194 would elsewhere in the country. Measured that way it compares to the national median at 10.9% above the national median in real terms.
Published median
$87,820as reported by BLSLocal price level
96.3US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$91,194US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $87,820 a year, 6.8% above the national median.
- Published pay spans $58,020 to $141,380 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The area has 1,160 jobs in this occupation.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Columbus, at $92,170.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Atlanta, GA?
The median annual wage is $87,820, or $42.22 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $82,220, so pay in Atlanta, GA is 6.8% higher. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in Atlanta, GA earns more than $141,380 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $58,020 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
Which area nearby pays the most?
The highest median for this occupation among the metro areas covered is in Columbus, at $92,170 per year.
How many jobs are there in this occupation here?
The survey estimates 1,160 jobs in this occupation in Atlanta, GA. Self-employed workers are not included.
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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