Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $82,220/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$52,520$140,010

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: +4.4% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.

About 8,500 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.

Top skills

Reading ComprehensionSpeakingActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingScienceWritingCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringCoordination

Top knowledge areas

English LanguageBiologyCustomer and Personal ServiceLaw and GovernmentComputers and ElectronicsPublic Safety and SecurityChemistryAdministrative

Core tasks

• Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.

• Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.

• Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.

• Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.

• Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.

• Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.

• Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.

• Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health?

The median pay for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health is $82,220 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health?

Employment for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health is projected to change +4.4% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health?

About 8,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.