⭐ Bright Outlook

Environmental Restoration Planners

O*NET 19-2041.02 · SOC 19-2041

Environmental Restoration Planner is a solid career choice. Median pay is $82k a year with +6.1% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 7,300 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+6.1%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$82k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
7k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 5
Extensive preparation needed (graduate degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Assess contaminated sites to determine the extent of environmental damage
  • →Develop remediation plans to restore polluted soil and water
  • →Monitor restored habitats to track ecological recovery progress
  • →Coordinate with contractors overseeing environmental cleanup activities
  • →Prepare environmental restoration reports for regulatory agency review

Education & How to Get In

🔬
Job Zone 5
Extensive preparation needed (graduate degree)

Environmental Restoration Planner roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as an Environmental Restoration Planner? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
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Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Creative and professional skill classes
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Analytical, research labs, offices, or remote

Work Style

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 Restoration Planner involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningAssess contaminated sites to determine the extent of environmental damage
MiddayDevelop remediation plans to restore polluted soil and water
AfternoonMonitor restored habitats to track ecological recovery progress

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Investigative (Thinkers)6.3
Realistic (Doers)5.3
Conventional (Organizers)4.1
Enterprising (Persuaders)3.6
Artistic (Creators)2.2
Social (Helpers)2.1

Who Thrives as Environmental Restoration Planner?

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.

ISTPThe CraftspersonINTJThe StrategistENTJThe CommanderISTJThe Inspector

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Environmental Restoration Planner Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Environmental Restoration Planners is projected to grow 6.1% 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?

34/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
  • ·27% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress

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 Restoration Planner make?

The median Environmental Restoration Planner earns $82k 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 Restoration Planner jobs?

Our model puts Environmental Restoration Planner at 34 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace; 27% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.

Is Environmental Restoration Planner a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 6.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 7,300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be an Environmental Restoration Planner?

Environmental Restoration Planner roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.

How long does it take to become an Environmental Restoration Planner?

Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is an Environmental Restoration Planner 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.

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