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Water quality analyst salary
Average water quality analyst salary
$50,197
Average Water Quality Analyst Salary
A Water Quality Analyst plays a crucial role in ensuring water safety and compliance with environmental regulations. The average salary for this position is $50,197 annually, translating to about $24 per hour. However, salaries can differ significantly based on factors such as location, experience, and industry specialization.
Salary Variation by State
In states like California, New York, and Texas, salaries tend to be higher due to demand for skilled professionals in environmental science and public health. For instance, analysts in California can earn upwards of $60,000 per year. Additionally, water quality analysts with advanced degrees or certifications often see increased earning potential.
Job Opportunities
Job openings in this field can be found in various sectors, including government, private consulting firms, and non-profit organizations focused on environmental protection. Exploring these opportunities can lead to rewarding careers that offer both competitive salaries and the chance to make a positive impact on public health.
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Where can a Water Quality Analyst earn more?
Water quality analyst salary estimates from across the web
Average water quality analyst salary by state
The highest-paying states for water quality analysts are California, Washington, and New Hampshire. The lowest average water quality analyst salary states are New Jersey, Missouri, and Delaware.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for water quality analysts
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | $63,819 | $30.68 |
| 2 | California | $64,090 | $30.81 |
| 3 | North Dakota | $62,055 | $29.83 |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $66,090 | $31.77 |
| 5 | Washington | $63,900 | $30.72 |
| 6 | Wisconsin | $58,972 | $28.35 |
| 7 | Vermont | $60,417 | $29.05 |
| 8 | Rhode Island | $59,252 | $28.49 |
| 9 | Connecticut | $57,462 | $27.63 |
| 10 | Maine | $61,745 | $29.69 |
| 11 | Idaho | $52,557 | $25.27 |
| 12 | Virginia | $55,879 | $26.86 |
| 13 | Indiana | $49,231 | $23.67 |
| 14 | Minnesota | $52,413 | $25.20 |
| 15 | Maryland | $53,378 | $25.66 |
| 16 | North Carolina | $50,385 | $24.22 |
| 17 | Kentucky | $49,240 | $23.67 |
| 18 | Wyoming | $51,580 | $24.80 |
| 19 | Montana | $53,129 | $25.54 |
| 20 | Nebraska | $50,963 | $24.50 |
| 21 | New York | $57,709 | $27.74 |
| 22 | Colorado | $50,269 | $24.17 |
| 23 | South Dakota | $50,543 | $24.30 |
| 24 | Hawaii | $51,078 | $24.56 |
| 25 | Massachusetts | $53,664 | $25.80 |
| 26 | Iowa | $48,051 | $23.10 |
| 27 | New Mexico | $50,123 | $24.10 |
| 28 | Alaska | $49,683 | $23.89 |
| 29 | Tennessee | $47,633 | $22.90 |
| 30 | Texas | $47,960 | $23.06 |
| 31 | Arkansas | $48,296 | $23.22 |
| 32 | Arizona | $46,819 | $22.51 |
| 33 | Oklahoma | $49,230 | $23.67 |
| 34 | Ohio | $47,204 | $22.69 |
| 35 | Georgia | $48,081 | $23.12 |
| 36 | Illinois | $46,720 | $22.46 |
| 37 | South Carolina | $47,185 | $22.69 |
| 38 | Michigan | $46,598 | $22.40 |
| 39 | Pennsylvania | $46,720 | $22.46 |
| 40 | Utah | $40,149 | $19.30 |
| 41 | Alabama | $45,928 | $22.08 |
| 42 | Oregon | $47,116 | $22.65 |
| 43 | Louisiana | $46,663 | $22.43 |
| 44 | Delaware | $38,286 | $18.41 |
| 45 | Kansas | $41,672 | $20.03 |
| 46 | West Virginia | $44,459 | $21.37 |
| 47 | New Jersey | $39,090 | $18.79 |
| 48 | Missouri | $38,696 | $18.60 |
| 49 | Nevada | $38,145 | $18.34 |
| 50 | Florida | $36,751 | $17.67 |
| 51 | Mississippi | $36,516 | $17.56 |
Highest paying cities for water quality analysts
The highest-paying cities for water quality analysts are Santa Maria, CA, Olympia, WA, and Lewiston, ID.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santa Maria, CA | $64,760 | $31.13 |
| 2 | Olympia, WA | $64,139 | $30.84 |
| 3 | Lewiston, ID | $54,072 | $26.00 |
| 4 | Ann Arbor, MI | $46,483 | $22.35 |
| 5 | Tucson, AZ | $46,129 | $22.18 |
Water quality analyst salary details
A water quality analyst's salary ranges from $37,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $66,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a water quality analyst's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $66,000 | $5,500 | $32 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,000 | $4,833 | $28 |
| Average | $50,197 | $4,183 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,000 | $3,583 | $21 |
| 10th Percentile | $37,000 | $3,083 | $18 |
Highest paying water quality analyst jobs
The highest paying types of water quality analysts are principal environmental scientist, environmental scientist lead, and senior environmental scientist.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Scientist | $76,601 | $6,383 | $36.83 | 88,454 |
| Environmental Scientist/Geologist | $63,344 | $5,279 | $30.45 | 55,899 |
| Environmental Geologist | $64,927 | $5,411 | $31.21 | 16,395 |
| Environmental Scientist | $60,208 | $5,017 | $28.95 | 56,425 |
| Staff Environmental Scientist | $62,433 | $5,203 | $30.02 | 124,536 |
| Analyst | $73,007 | $6,084 | $35.10 | 253,138 |
Top companies hiring water quality analysts now:
Which companies pay water quality analysts the most?
Water quality analyst salaries at West Basin Municipal Water District and City of Ann Arbor are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average water quality analyst salary at companies like City of Tucson and State Of Idaho are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Basin Municipal Water District | $54,804 | $26.35 |
| 2 | City of Ann Arbor | $52,350 | $25.17 |
| 3 | City of Tucson | $49,917 | $24.00 |
| 4 | State Of Idaho | $37,121 | $17.85 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Water quality analyst salary trends
The average water quality analyst salary has risen by $8,937 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average water quality analyst earned $41,260 annually, but today, they earn $50,197 a year. That works out to a 14% change in pay for water quality analysts over the last decade.
Compare water quality analyst salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average water quality analyst salary over time
Compare water quality analyst salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Water quality analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $50,200 | $24.13 | +3.6% |
| 2025 | $48,400 | $23.25 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $47,500 | $22.85 | +3.2% |
| 2023 | $46,000 | $22.12 | +4.3% |
| 2022 | $44,100 | $21.18 | +1.6% |
Recently added water quality analyst salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Greeley | Water Quality Analyst | Greeley, CO | 06/23/2025 | $61,713 |
| City Utilities of Springfield | Water Quality Analyst I, II, or III (Chemistry) | Springfield, MO | 06/20/2025 | $55,972 |
| Clarity Partners | Water Quality Analyst | Chicago, IL | 06/05/2025 | $60,000 |
| Department of Environmental Quality | Water Quality Permit Compliance Analyst (Program Analyst 1) | Portland, OR | 03/14/2025 | $52,908 |
| Tennessee Aquarium | JIM Hill Fellowship for Water Quality | Chattanooga, TN | 02/24/2025 | $31,305 |
| Aza | JIM Hill Fellowship for Water Quality | Chattanooga, TN | 02/21/2025 | $31,305 |
| Lakewood, Co | Variable Water Quality Maintenance | Lakewood, CO | 02/20/2025 | $36,523 |
| Waterworldcolorado | WW Water Quality | Federal Heights, CO | 02/17/2025 | $36,523 |
| American States Water Co | Water Quality Analyst I) | Ione, CA | 02/17/2025 | $57,768 |
| City of Ann Arbor, Mi | Water Quality Temp | Ann Arbor, MI | 02/15/2025 | $40,968 |
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