Industrial Ecologists

Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed

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.

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 ComprehensionWritingActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisScienceActive Learning

Top knowledge areas

MathematicsEngineering and TechnologyChemistryComputers and ElectronicsPhysicsEnglish LanguageProduction and ProcessingDesign

Core tasks

• Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.

• Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.

• Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences.

• Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.

• Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste-management practices.

• Review research literature to maintain knowledge on topics related to industrial ecology, such as physical science, technology, economy, and public policy.

• Redesign linear, or open-loop, systems into cyclical, or closed-loop, systems so that waste products become inputs for new processes, modeling natural ecosystems.

• Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Industrial Ecologists?

The median pay for Industrial Ecologists is $82,220 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Industrial Ecologists?

Employment for Industrial Ecologists is projected to change +4.4% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Industrial Ecologists?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Industrial Ecologists?

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