Environmental Compliance Inspectors
O*NET 13-1041.01 · SOC 13-1041
Environmental Compliance Inspector is a solid career choice. Median pay is $81k a year with +3.8% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 32,700 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Inspect industrial facilities for violations of environmental regulations.
- →Collect soil, water, or air samples to test for contamination.
- →Issue notices of violation to non-compliant businesses or sites.
- →Review environmental permits to verify facility operations are authorized.
- →Write inspection reports documenting findings and required corrective actions.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Environmental Compliance Inspector roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
Ready to start building skills for a career as an Environmental Compliance Inspector? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.
Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.
Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Environmental Compliance Inspector involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Environmental Compliance Inspector?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Environmental Compliance Inspector Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
Explore More Careers
Job Outlook
Employment of Environmental Compliance Inspectors is projected to grow 3.8% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·41% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Environmental Compliance Inspector make?
The median Environmental Compliance Inspector earns $81k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Environmental Compliance Inspector jobs?
Our model puts Environmental Compliance Inspector at 44 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 41% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target.
Is Environmental Compliance Inspector a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 3.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 32,700 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Environmental Compliance Inspector?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Environmental Compliance Inspector roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Environmental Compliance Inspector?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Environmental Compliance Inspector career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes