21 Careers To Pursue With an Environmental Science Degree
What Can You Do With an Environmental Science Degree?
An environmental science degree can prepare you for work in government agencies, consulting firms, laboratories, nonprofit organizations, schools and private companies. Your career options may depend on the courses you take, the internships you complete and whether you pursue an advanced degree.
Common environmental science career areas include:
- Environmental research and monitoring
- Wildlife and habitat conservation
- Water and air quality management
- Environmental compliance
- Public health and workplace safety
- Sustainability and climate planning
- Environmental education
- Environmental policy
Salary Information for Environmental Science Careers
The salaries below are representative U.S. annual benchmarks, primarily based on May 2024 median wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For specialized titles without a separate federal category, the figure shown is for the closest related occupation.
Actual earnings depend on location, experience, employer, education and professional credentials. For context, the median salary was $80,060 for environmental scientists and specialists and $78,980 across all life, physical and social science occupations.
21 Environmental Science Degree Careers
1. Environmental Scientist
Salary benchmark: $80,060 per year
Environmental scientists collect and analyze samples, investigate environmental hazards and recommend solutions. They may study pollution, contaminated land, climate risks or the environmental effects of proposed projects.
Most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related natural science. Laboratory experience, fieldwork and knowledge of environmental regulations can improve your qualifications.
2. Environmental Science and Protection Technician
Salary benchmark: $49,490 per year
Environmental science technicians support scientists by gathering air, soil and water samples. They may operate monitoring equipment, perform laboratory tests, maintain records and inspect businesses for potential environmental or public health risks.
Some positions require an associate degree, while others prefer a bachelor’s degree. This can be a practical entry point for graduates who want extensive field experience.
3. Environmental Consultant
Related salary benchmark: $80,060 per year for environmental scientists
Environmental consultants help organizations understand and manage their environmental responsibilities. Their work can include site assessments, permit applications, regulatory audits, waste reduction plans and environmental impact reports.
Consultants need research, project management and client communication skills. Employers may also value knowledge of regulations such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.
4. Conservation Scientist
Salary benchmark: $67,950 per year
Conservation scientists manage forests, parks, rangelands and other natural resources. They evaluate land conditions, develop conservation plans and work with landowners or government agencies to improve soil and habitat health.
Knowledge of geographic information systems, or GIS, can be especially useful. The salary benchmark comes from the BLS category for conservation scientists and foresters.
5. Forester
Salary benchmark: $70,660 per year
Foresters manage wooded land for conservation, recreation or responsible timber production. They may monitor forest health, plan controlled burns, supervise planting programs and protect forests from disease or invasive species.
A degree with coursework in ecology, forestry or natural resource management can help candidates enter this field. Some states may require professional licensing or registration.
6. Wildlife Biologist
Salary benchmark: $72,860 per year
Wildlife biologists study animals and their relationships with ecosystems. They may track populations, evaluate habitats, collect biological samples and examine how human activity affects wildlife.
Field research experience is important for many roles. Research leadership and university positions may require a master’s degree or doctorate. The benchmark uses the BLS category for zoologists and wildlife biologists.
7. Marine Biologist
Related salary benchmark: $72,860 per year for zoologists and wildlife biologists
Marine biologists study organisms that live in oceans, wetlands and coastal environments. Their projects may involve fisheries, coral reefs, marine mammals, pollution or habitat restoration.
Candidates can benefit from coursework in marine ecology, statistics and chemistry. Diving certification, boating experience and familiarity with data-analysis software may be helpful for field positions.
8. Hydrologist
Salary benchmark: $92,060 per year
Hydrologists study how water moves through the environment. They analyze rainfall, groundwater, rivers and watersheds to address flooding, drought, contamination and water availability.
Many positions require a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, geology or hydrology. Research-focused roles may prefer a master’s degree. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for hydrologists was $92,060 in May 2024.
9. Environmental Geologist
Related salary benchmark: $99,240 per year for geoscientists
Environmental geologists examine soil, rock and groundwater to identify environmental risks. They may investigate contaminated properties, assess construction sites or help organizations plan cleanup projects.
A bachelor’s degree can qualify candidates for many entry-level roles, although some employers prefer a master’s degree. Certain positions may also require a state geologist license.
10. Environmental Engineer
Salary benchmark: $104,170 per year
Environmental engineers design systems that protect people and the environment. They may work on water treatment, air pollution control, waste management, recycling systems or contaminated-site cleanup.
This occupation usually requires an engineering degree rather than a general environmental science degree. Environmental science graduates may need additional engineering coursework or a graduate degree. The BLS reported a $104,170 median for environmental engineers.
11. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Salary benchmark: $83,910 per year
Occupational health and safety specialists inspect workplaces and develop procedures that reduce employee exposure to chemicals, noise, unsafe equipment and other hazards. They also investigate incidents and provide safety training.
A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, occupational health or a related subject is common. Optional certifications can demonstrate experience in workplace safety.
12. Environmental Health Officer
Related salary benchmark: $83,910 per year for occupational health and safety specialists
Environmental health officers investigate conditions that can affect public health. They may inspect restaurants, housing, water systems, pools or waste facilities and help organizations comply with health regulations.
Requirements vary by state and employer. Some jobs require certification as a registered environmental health specialist or sanitarian.
13. Water Quality Scientist
Related salary benchmark: $80,060 per year for environmental scientists
Water quality scientists test lakes, rivers, groundwater and drinking water for pollutants. They interpret laboratory results, identify possible contamination sources and recommend treatment or prevention measures.
Coursework in chemistry, microbiology and hydrology is valuable. Employers may also seek candidates who understand sampling procedures and environmental reporting standards.
14. Air Quality Specialist
Related salary benchmark: $80,060 per year for environmental scientists
Air quality specialists measure emissions and assess their potential effects on people and ecosystems. They may inspect industrial facilities, prepare air permits, model pollutant movement or evaluate compliance data.
Useful skills include statistics, atmospheric science, regulatory research and technical writing. Some positions require travel to factories, construction sites or monitoring stations.
15. Environmental Chemist
Related salary benchmark: $84,150 per year for chemists
Environmental chemists examine how chemicals enter and change within soil, air and water. They may identify pollutants, test product safety or support cleanup and waste-treatment projects.
Laboratory experience and strong quality-control practices are essential. Research positions may require graduate education. The BLS reported a May 2024 median salary of $84,150 for chemists.
16. Microbiologist
Salary benchmark: $87,330 per year
Microbiologists study bacteria, fungi, algae and other microorganisms. Environmental microbiologists may examine water quality, soil health, waste treatment or how microorganisms break down pollutants.
A bachelor’s degree can support entry-level laboratory work, while independent research roles commonly require an advanced degree. The median benchmark comes from the BLS profile for microbiologists.
17. Soil and Plant Scientist
Salary benchmark: $71,410 per year
Soil and plant scientists study how soil composition, land use, climate and farming practices affect plants and ecosystems. Their findings can support conservation, food production and land restoration.
Students interested in this field may take additional courses in agriculture, soil chemistry, botany or GIS. The benchmark is the BLS median for soil and plant scientists.
18. Urban and Regional Planner
Salary benchmark: $83,720 per year
Urban planners help communities decide how land and public resources should be used. Environmental planning may include transportation, green spaces, housing, flood resilience and sustainable development.
A master’s degree in planning is common, although environmental science graduates may qualify for assistant or technical positions. The BLS lists a $83,720 median wage for urban and regional planners.
19. Sustainability Specialist
Related salary benchmark: $80,060 per year for environmental scientists
Sustainability specialists help organizations reduce waste, emissions and resource consumption. They may measure environmental performance, manage reporting programs, set sustainability targets or evaluate suppliers.
Employers often value data analysis, project management and knowledge of environmental, social and governance reporting. Business courses can complement an environmental science background.
20. Environmental Educator
Related salary benchmark: $63,000 per year for health education specialists
Environmental educators teach students or community members about conservation, climate, wildlife and sustainable behavior. They may work for schools, museums, nature centers, parks or nonprofit organizations.
The required education depends on the setting. Public school teachers typically need state certification, while informal education positions may emphasize presentation and program-development experience.
21. Environmental Policy Analyst
Related salary benchmark: $80,060 per year for environmental scientists
Environmental policy analysts examine proposed laws, regulations and public programs. They collect evidence, compare policy options and explain how decisions may affect communities, businesses and natural resources.
These professionals need strong research and writing skills. Coursework in economics, public policy, statistics or political science can strengthen an environmental science degree.
Skills for Environmental Science Careers
Environmental science employers frequently look for a combination of scientific and workplace skills, including:
- Field sampling and laboratory procedures
- Quantitative research and statistical analysis
- GIS and mapping
- Environmental laws and compliance
- Technical and scientific writing
- Data visualization
- Critical thinking
- Project management
- Public speaking
- Collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
Internships, volunteer projects and undergraduate research can provide evidence that you know how to apply these skills.
How To Start an Environmental Science Career
Begin by identifying the environmental problems that interest you most. A student interested in ecosystems may prefer conservation, while someone interested in chemistry may pursue pollution monitoring or laboratory work.
Next, review job descriptions before choosing electives. Look for repeated requirements involving GIS, statistical software, field sampling, environmental regulations or technical reports. Use those findings to shape your coursework and projects.
Complete at least one internship, research project or volunteer assignment. Practical experience can help you build professional references and explain your abilities during interviews.
Finally, consider whether your target occupation requires certification, licensing or graduate education. Planning for these requirements early can reduce delays after graduation.
Use Dokie To Present Environmental Research Clearlyge
Dokie can help environmental science students and professionals turn research notes, reports and complex data into organized presentations. You can use it to structure a project summary, explain environmental findings to a nontechnical audience or prepare a clear presentation for an interview, classroom or stakeholder meeting.
Conclusion
An environmental science degree can support careers across science, policy, education and business. Compare each role’s duties and qualifications, then build targeted experience through coursework, field projects and internships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is environmental science a useful degree?
Yes. The degree develops scientific research, data analysis and problem-solving skills that can apply to government, consulting, conservation, public health and corporate sustainability.
What is the highest-paying environmental science career?
Engineering and advanced management positions often offer higher salaries. Environmental engineers had a median annual wage of $104,170 in May 2024, although this career usually requires an engineering-focused education.
Can I work in environmental science with only a bachelor’s degree?
Yes. Many technician, consulting, compliance and environmental scientist positions accept a bachelor’s degree. Research leadership, university teaching and certain specialized careers may require graduate education.
Do environmental science jobs require fieldwork?
Some do, but not all. Conservation scientists, hydrologists and environmental technicians may spend significant time outdoors. Policy analysts, sustainability specialists and consultants may work mainly in offices.
What should I minor in with an environmental science degree?
Useful minors include GIS, data science, chemistry, public policy, economics, communications and business. The best choice depends on the career you want to pursue.