Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists & Specialists
SOC 19-2041
How Much Does an Environmental Scientist Make?
The national median salary for an Environmental Scientist is $78,980 per year ($37.97/hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data).
That's 21% above the national median salary of $65,470 for all occupations.
How to Become an Environmental Scientist
Bachelor's in environmental science, biology, or chemistry.
PE license for some roles; state certifications vary
Environmental Scientist Job Outlook
Faster than avg — the BLS projects 6% growth from 2024 to 2034.
That's faster than the average across all occupations (4%).
About 7,500 positions are expected to open annually, from both new roles and replacement needs.
Environmental regulation; climate adaptation
What It's Like to Work as an Environmental Scientist
Expect a mix of desk work and some physical activity.
Some employers offer remote or hybrid arrangements.
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Data & AnalyticsFrequently Asked Questions
Career data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024-34 projections (released August 2025). Salary data: BLS OEWS May 2024.
View on BLS.gov