Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
O*NET 19-2041.00 · SOC 19-2041
Environmental Scientist 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
What You'd Actually Do
- →Collect and analyze environmental samples
- →Assess pollution, contamination, and health risks
- →Prepare environmental impact reports
- →Develop remediation and cleanup plans
- →Ensure compliance with environmental regulations
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Environmental Scientist 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 Scientist? 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
Analytical, research labs, offices, 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 Scientist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Environmental Scientist?
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 Scientist 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 Scientists and Specialists, Including Health 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?
- ·27% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
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 Scientist make?
The median Environmental Scientist 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 Scientist jobs?
Our model puts Environmental Scientist at 36 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 27% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Environmental Scientist 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 Scientist?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Environmental Scientist roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Environmental Scientist?
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 Scientist 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