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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Environmental Scientists and Specialists salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Virginia Beach metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$76,460
Mean annual$81,760
Range (10th to 90th)$56,080 to $111,680
Virginia Beach, Virginia employment400
State vs national-5.8% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Virginia Beach environmental scientists and specialists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$56,08025TH$63,070MEDIAN$76,46075TH$99,57090TH$111,680

The middle 50% of workers earn between $63,070 and $99,570, with a median of $76,460.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5
  • Deductive Reasoning

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Science

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Complex Problem Solving

    Technical

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.

  2. 02

    Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.

  3. 03

    Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.

  4. 04

    Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.

  5. 05

    Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.

  6. 06

    Evaluate violations or problems discovered during inspections to determine appropriate regulatory actions or to provide advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases.

  7. 07

    Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.

  8. 08

    Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.

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Other metros in Virginia

How the Virginia Beach metro compares to other major Virginia metro areas for environmental scientists and specialists.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Environmental Scientists and Specialists in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Environmental Scientists and Specialists in the Virginia Beach metropolitan area is $76,460.
Does Virginia Beach pay more than the Virginia state average for Environmental Scientists and Specialists?
The Virginia Beach metro median is -2.1% versus the Virginia state median of $78,140.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the national median for Environmental Scientists and Specialists?
The Virginia Beach metro median is -5.8% versus the BLS national figure of $81,159.
What is the salary range for Environmental Scientists and Specialists in Virginia Beach?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $56,080 and the 90th-percentile at $111,680 for the Virginia Beach metro area.
What education is required for Environmental Scientists and Specialists?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Virginia Beach CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.