Air Quality Specialist

Monitor, analyze, and develop solutions for air quality challenges including criteria pollutant emissions, hazardous air pollutants, and greenhouse gas emissions from industrial, transportation, and agricultural sources. Conduct air dispersion modelling, prepare air permit applications, and develop emission reduction strategies to achieve regulatory compliance and protect public health. Support environmental impact assessments and climate action plans with air quality analysis.

Median salary: $88,000. Projected growth to 2033: 8% (faster than average) - driven by EPA regulatory enforcement and climate policy. Typical education: Bachelor's Degree.

At a glance

Median salary: $88,000
Entry-level: $55,000 - $70,000
Senior: $130,000+
Growth by 2033: 8% (faster than average) - driven by EPA regulatory enforcement and climate policy
Demand: Growing
Remote: Hybrid
Hours per week: 40-50 hours/week
Stress: Moderate

What you'd do

People interaction: Moderate
Team vs solo: 50% Team / 50% Solo
Client facing: Sometimes
Impact visibility: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education: Bachelor's Degree
Licensing: No
Years to mid-career: 3-5 years
Years to senior: 7-10 years
Career switching: Moderate
Typical student debt: $25,000 - $50,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

Air Dispersion Modelling (AERMOD / CALPUFF)
EPA CAA Title V & Minor Source Permitting
Emission Inventory Development
BACT & LAER Analysis
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring
GHG Emission Quantification (EPA AP-42)

Soft skills

Analytical Thinking
Written Communication
Regulatory Interpretation
Attention to Detail
Technical Problem-Solving

Technical complexity: High

Typical career path