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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Industrial Ecologists

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

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

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%

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

  • Master's degree

    65%

  • Bachelor's degree

    21%

  • Doctoral degree

    8%

  • Post baccalaureate

    4%

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

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mathematics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Chemistry
  • English Language

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • 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.