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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Median Salary
78,980
Job Outlook
+7%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

47%

State and local government

38%

Federal Government

8%

Private not for profit

4%

Self-employed

4%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 8,500 openings for environmental scientists and specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$38,840

10%

$78,980

Median

$115,730

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    47%

  • High school

    21%

  • Master's degree

    13%

  • Post baccalaureate

    12%

  • Doctoral degree

    3%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Environmental Science
  • Geography and Environmental Studies
  • Environmental Studies
  • Sustainability Studies
  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Marine Sciences
  • Environmental Health
  • Toxicology
  • Environmental Geosciences
  • Environmental Chemistry

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • English Language
  • Administrative
  • Biology
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Customer and Personal Service

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.