Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed
Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.
Median pay: $80,730/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +3% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 33,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Determine the nature of code violations and actions to be taken, and issue written notices of violation, participating in enforcement hearings, as necessary.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain inspection records.
• Investigate complaints and suspected violations regarding illegal dumping, pollution, pesticides, product quality, or labeling laws.
• Determine which sites and violation reports to investigate, and coordinate compliance and enforcement activities with other government agencies.
• Interview individuals to determine the nature of suspected violations and to obtain evidence of violations.
• Inform individuals and groups of pollution control regulations and inspection findings, and explain how problems can be corrected.
• Verify that hazardous chemicals are handled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with regulations.
• Learn and observe proper safety precautions, rules, regulations, and practices so that unsafe conditions can be recognized and proper safety protocols implemented.
What's the median pay for Environmental Compliance Inspectors?
The median pay for Environmental Compliance Inspectors is $80,730 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Environmental Compliance Inspectors?
Employment for Environmental Compliance Inspectors is projected to change +3% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Environmental Compliance Inspectors?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Environmental Compliance Inspectors?
About 33,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.