All careers › Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Environmental scientist: pay, job outlook and how to become one
- $52,520lowest 10% earn less
- $64,49025th percentile
- $82,220median
- $107,97075th percentile
- $140,010top 10% earn more
Environmental scientists and specialists earned a median of $82,220 a year in May 2025[1]. Jobs are projected to grow 6.1% from 2025 to 2035, and BLS expects about 7,300 openings a year[2][3].
How much do environmental scientists make?
BLS groups this work under the title Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health. The median pay was $82,220 a year, or $39.53 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half earned more and half earned less. The average was $91,680 a year, or $44.08 an hour[7]. For all occupations, the median annual wage was $50,980[5].
Pay spreads widely across the job:
| Point in the range | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile[4][8] | $52,520 | $25.25 |
| 25th percentile[4][8] | $64,490 | $31.01 |
| Median[1] | $82,220 | $39.53 |
| 75th percentile[4][8] | $107,970 | $51.91 |
| 90th percentile[4][8] | $140,010 | $67.31 |
A percentile is a boundary. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $52,520[4][9]. BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[9].
These figures count workers paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed, nonproduction bonuses and the cost of benefits such as health insurance[10]. About 89,250 people worked in the job on that basis[11].
Pay by state and city
The District of Columbia had the highest median annual wage, $132,620[12]. California was next at $106,510, then Rhode Island at $100,730, Massachusetts at $100,640 and Washington at $98,300[12]. Arkansas had the lowest listed median, $57,220[12].
California also had the most jobs, 12,490[13]. Florida followed with 5,950, then Texas with 5,630, Washington with 4,470 and North Carolina with 4,150[13]. Florida's median was $60,830[12].
Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Kennewick-Richland, WA had the highest median, $129,110[14]. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($127,210) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($110,260) came next[14]. Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA had the most jobs, 3,520, with a median of $108,430[15]. New York-Newark-Jersey City had 3,350 jobs and a median of $85,510[15].
Show median pay in 50 states and DC
| State | Median per year | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia[12] | $132,620 | 1,270 |
| California | $106,510 | 12,490 |
| Rhode Island | $100,730 | 330 |
| Massachusetts | $100,640 | 2,930 |
| Washington | $98,300 | 4,470 |
| Oregon | $97,440 | 1,370 |
| Texas | $92,000 | 5,630 |
| Alaska | $91,960 | 860 |
| Utah | $90,710 | 1,020 |
| Minnesota | $88,000 | 2,260 |
| New Mexico | $86,630 | 940 |
| Colorado | $85,990 | 2,580 |
| Georgia | $85,710 | 1,750 |
| North Dakota | $84,570 | 240 |
| Maryland | $84,190 | 1,760 |
| Nevada | $83,050 | 490 |
| Virginia | $82,230 | 2,850 |
| New York | $82,160 | 3,700 |
| West Virginia | $82,100 | 250 |
| Connecticut | $82,070 | 620 |
| Illinois | $81,590 | 1,550 |
| New Hampshire | $80,810 | 480 |
| Arizona | $80,600 | 1,970 |
| Montana | $80,260 | 570 |
| Hawaii | $79,510 | 670 |
| New Jersey | $79,210 | 3,150 |
| Iowa | $78,780 | 690 |
| Ohio | $78,540 | 2,460 |
| Kansas | $78,210 | 590 |
| Vermont | $77,460 | 490 |
| Tennessee | $76,840 | 1,230 |
| Pennsylvania | $76,110 | 3,020 |
| Michigan | $76,080 | 3,100 |
| Oklahoma | $75,910 | 520 |
| South Carolina | $74,910 | 490 |
| North Carolina | $74,130 | 4,150 |
| Wyoming | $74,050 | 410 |
| Wisconsin | $72,820 | 920 |
| Alabama | $72,490 | 870 |
| Kentucky | $71,040 | 1,000 |
| Idaho | $70,350 | 670 |
| Louisiana | $69,820 | 1,600 |
| South Dakota | $68,230 | 240 |
| Maine | $66,480 | 530 |
| Indiana | $64,700 | 1,290 |
| Delaware | $64,690 | 290 |
| Nebraska | $64,040 | 510 |
| Missouri | $61,050 | 1,380 |
| Florida | $60,830 | 5,950 |
| Mississippi | $57,780 | 390 |
| Arkansas | $57,220 | 270 |
How to become an environmental scientist
- First: earn a bachelor's degree. BLS lists it as the typical entry education, with no related work experience and no on-the-job training needed[6]. The degree is usually in environmental science or a related field, such as natural resources, biology or physical science[16].
- Next: add classes that fit the work. Courses in hydrology, waste management or environmental policy and regulation can help[16].
- Also: try an internship or volunteer with an environmental science group while in school to gain practical experience[17].
- Then: check certification. Some employers prefer or require a certification related to the work the person will do[18].
With experience, workers may supervise technicians or other scientists, or move up to project leader or program manager[19]. The facts we use do not say how long the degree takes or what it costs.
What environmental scientists do
O*NET describes the work as investigating and reducing sources of pollution or hazards that affect the environment or public health[20]. Common tasks include:
- Explaining scientific or technical findings to the public, organizations or coworkers in talks, reports and hearings[21].
- Tracking the effects of pollution or land damage and recommending ways to prevent or control them[21].
- Collecting and analyzing data such as air readings and soil or water samples[21].
- Applying environmental standards, policies and regulations[21].
- Reviewing environmental permits and licenses[21].
- Running audits, inspections and investigations of violations[21].
- Turning data into charts and graphs that show what it means for the environment[21].
OOH adds that analytical, communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills matter in this job[22][23][24][25].
Where they work
Environmental scientists typically work in offices and laboratories. Some time may be spent in the field, which can be physically demanding and may mean working in any weather[26]. Environmental science and protection technicians often handle much of the fieldwork[26]. The job may involve travel to meet clients or present research at conferences[27].
State government, excluding education and hospitals, was the largest employer, at 28% in 2025[28]. Most environmental scientists work full time. Fieldwork or project deadlines can mean extra hours or nights and weekends[29].
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to grow 6.1% from 2025 to 2035, from about 93,400 to 99,200 jobs[2]. That is a gain of 5,700 jobs[2]. For all occupations, projected growth is 3.5%[30]. These counts include self-employed workers[2].
About 7,300 openings a year are projected on average[3]. Openings include jobs that come open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs[3]. Each year, 1.5% of workers leave the labor force and 5.5% move to a different occupation[31].
Is it a good fit?
The facts describe a job with a median wage above the all-occupations median ($82,220 against $50,980)[1][5]. It needs a bachelor's degree and no related experience or on-the-job training for entry[6]. Projected growth of 6.1% is above the 3.5% for all occupations[2][30]. The work is mostly office and lab based, with some fieldwork that can be demanding[26]. Pay differs a great deal by place, from $132,620 in the District of Columbia to $57,220 in Arkansas[12].
Frequently asked questions
- How much does an environmental scientist make an hour?
- The median was $39.53 an hour in May 2025, and the average was $44.08[1][7].
- What degree do you need to be an environmental scientist?
- A bachelor's degree is the typical entry education[6]. It is usually in environmental science or a related field such as natural resources, biology or physical science[16].
- Are environmental scientists in demand?
- BLS projects 6.1% growth from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, and about 7,300 openings a year[2][30][3].
- What is the highest paying state for environmental scientists?
- The District of Columbia had the highest median annual wage, $132,620, followed by California at $106,510[12].
Facts and sources
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in the US was $82,220 per year and $39.53 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: employment of Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health is projected to grow 6.1% from 2025 to 2035, from about 93,400 to 99,200 jobs (a change of +5,700). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections: about 7,300 openings for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health: 10th percentile $52,520, 25th percentile $64,490, 75th percentile $107,970, 90th percentile $140,010. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health: education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health was $91,680 per year and $44.08 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health: 10th percentile $25.25, 25th percentile $31.01, 75th percentile $51.91, 90th percentile $67.31. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 89,250 people were employed as Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health jobs: California 12,490; Florida 5,950; Texas 5,630; Washington 4,470; North Carolina 4,150. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health (areas with at least 100 jobs): Kennewick-Richland, WA $129,110; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $127,210; Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA $110,260; Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $109,710; Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $108,430; Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $108,160; Redding, CA $106,510; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $106,510. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health jobs: Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA 3,520 (median $108,430); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 3,350 (median $85,510); Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 2,710 (median $108,160); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 2,520 (median $105,340); Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA 2,490 (median $102,980); Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 2,270 (median $100,360). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET description of Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET task list for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health. O*NET OnLine
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of environmental scientists and specialists in 2025: State government, excluding education and hospitals 28%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health: 1.5% of workers leave the labor force each year and 5.5% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
- Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.