Conservation Scientist Salary in 2026
How Much Do Conservation Scientists Make?
Conservation Scientists earn a median annual salary of $67,950 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $45,260 at the 10th percentile to $107,720 at the 90th percentile — a range of $62,460. The highest-paying state is Oregon at $86,170.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,260 |
| 25th percentile | $53,190 |
| Median (50th) | $67,950 |
| 75th percentile | $87,980 |
| 90th percentile | $107,720 |
Conservation Scientist Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oregontop | $86,170 |
| California | $81,620 |
| Washington | $81,220 |
| Colorado | $80,240 |
| Nevada | $79,790 |
| North Dakota | $79,790 |
| Connecticut | $77,410 |
| Utah | $77,380 |
| Minnesota | $77,180 |
| Wyoming | $77,020 |
| Massachusetts | $76,750 |
| Alabama | $76,270 |
| Arizona | $76,100 |
| Wisconsin | $75,940 |
| Alaska | $75,470 |
| Maryland | $75,350 |
| Nebraska | $74,960 |
| Tennessee | $74,960 |
| Montana | $74,900 |
| Idaho | $72,550 |
| Illinois | $72,550 |
| South Dakota | $72,550 |
| Arkansas | $72,550 |
| New Mexico | $72,490 |
| West Virginia | $68,390 |
| Georgia | $67,950 |
| New Hampshire | $67,720 |
| Virginia | $67,200 |
| New York | $65,550 |
| Texas | $65,170 |
| Maine | $64,990 |
| Iowa | $64,010 |
| Kentucky | $63,960 |
| Indiana | $62,880 |
| Oklahoma | $61,960 |
| Vermont | $61,880 |
| North Carolina | $61,820 |
| Michigan | $61,010 |
| Missouri | $60,900 |
| New Jersey | $60,430 |
| Ohio | $59,780 |
| Louisiana | $58,480 |
| Mississippi | $56,980 |
| Delaware | $55,990 |
| South Carolina | $54,220 |
| Pennsylvania | $53,110 |
| Florida | $52,820 |
| Hawaii | $46,580 |
| Kansas | $45,880 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Conservation Scientists
Conservation Scientist Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$45,260 – $53,190 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$67,950 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$87,980 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $107,720+ |
How to Earn More as a Conservation Scientist
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Conservation Scientists in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earn $98,930 — $30,980 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($87,980) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Conservation Scientist Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Conservation Scientistthis career | $67,950 |
| Water Resource Specialist | $161,180 |
| Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Manager | $136,550 |
| Environmental Compliance Inspector | $78,420 |
| Agricultural Engineer | $84,630 |
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SOC: 19-1031.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.