Environmental Scientists and Specialists: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

Job Outlook

The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 11% (Faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.)

Advancement

As environmental scientists and specialists gain experience, they earn more responsibilities and autonomy, and may supervise the work of technicians or other scientists. Eventually, they may be promoted to project leader, program manager, or some other management or research position.

Licenses/Certifications

Environmental scientists and specialists can become Certified Hazardous Materials Managers through the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management. This certification, which must be renewed every 5 years, shows that an environmental scientist or specialist is staying current with developments relevant to the occupation’s work. In addition, the Ecological Society of America offers several levels of certification for environmental scientists who wish to demonstrate their proficiency in ecology.

Median pay: How much do Environmental Scientists and Specialists make?

$68,910 Annual Salary

$33.13 per hour

Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with industry to reduce waste.

What do Environmental Scientists and Specialists do?

Environmental scientists and specialists typically do the following:

• Determine data collection methods for research projects, investigations, and surveys
• Collect and compile environmental data from samples of air, soil, water, food, and other materials for scientific analysis
• Analyze samples, surveys, and other information to identify and assess threats to the environment
• Develop plans to prevent, control, or fix environmental problems, such as land or water pollution
• Provide information and guidance to government officials, businesses, and the general public on possible environmental hazards and health risks
• Prepare technical reports and presentations that explain their research and findings

Environmental scientists and specialists analyze environmental problems and develop solutions to them. For example, many environmental scientists and specialists work to reclaim lands and waters that have been contaminated by pollution. Others assess the risks that new construction projects pose to the environment and make recommendations to governments and businesses on how to minimize the environmental impact of these projects. Environmental scientists and specialists may do research and provide advice on manufacturing practices, such as advising against the use of chemicals that are known to harm the environment.

The federal government and many state and local governments have regulations to ensure that there is clean air to breathe and safe water to drink, and that there are no hazardous materials in the soil. The regulations also place limits on development, particularly near sensitive ecosystems, such as wetlands. Environmental scientists and specialists who work for governments ensure that the regulations are followed. Other environmental scientists and specialists work for consulting firms that help companies comply with regulations and policies.

Some environmental scientists and specialists focus on environmental regulations that are designed to protect people’s health, while others focus on regulations designed to minimize society’s impact on the ecosystem. The following are examples of types of specialists:

Careers for Environmental Scientists and Specialists

• Climate change analysts
• Ecological modelers
• Environmental analysts
• Environmental chemists
• Environmental health and safety specialists
• Environmental restoration planners
• Environmental scientists
• Hazardous substances scientists
• Health environmentalists
• Industrial ecologists
• Water pollution scientists
• Water quality analysts