Environmental Scientist

Conduct environmental investigations, assessments, and monitoring studies to characterize contamination, evaluate ecological conditions, and support regulatory compliance and environmental management decisions. Collect and analyze soil, water, air, and biological samples, interpret laboratory data, prepare technical reports, and develop remediation and management recommendations. Support environmental impact assessments, permit applications, and natural resource damage assessments.

Median salary: $78,000. Projected growth to 2033: 7% (as fast as average) - driven by regulatory enforcement and infrastructure development. Typical education: Bachelor's Degree.

At a glance

Median salary: $78,000
Entry-level: $48,000 - $62,000
Senior: $115,000+
Growth by 2033: 7% (as fast as average) - driven by regulatory enforcement and infrastructure development
Demand: Growing
Remote: Hybrid
Hours per week: 40-50 hours/week
Stress: Low

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: 2-4 years
Years to senior: 5-8 years
Career switching: Easy
Typical student debt: $25,000 - $50,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

Environmental Sampling & Field Investigation Methods
Laboratory Data Interpretation (EPA Methods)
Soil & Groundwater Contamination Assessment
Ecological Risk Assessment
NEPA & CEQA Environmental Review
Environmental Data Management (EQuIS / Tableau)

Soft skills

Scientific Rigor
Field Investigation
Written Communication
Analytical Thinking
Regulatory Knowledge

Technical complexity: Moderate

Typical career path