Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
To enter the occupation, environmental scientists and specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in natural science or a related field. PayThe median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $82,220 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 7,300 openings for environmental scientists and specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for environmental scientists and specialists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of environmental scientists and specialists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about environmental scientists and specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $82,220 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 7,300 openings for environmental scientists and specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for environmental scientists and specialists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of environmental scientists and specialists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about environmental scientists and specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 7,300 openings for environmental scientists and specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for environmental scientists and specialists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of environmental scientists and specialists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about environmental scientists and specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Environmental scientists and specialists conduct research or investigations to protect the environment or human health.
Work Environment
Environmental scientists and specialists typically work in office settings and laboratories but may spend time in the field. Most environmental scientists and specialists work full time.
How to Become an Environmental Scientist or Specialist
To enter the occupation, environmental scientists and specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in natural science or a related field.
Pay
The median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $82,220 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 7,300 openings for environmental scientists and specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for environmental scientists and specialists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of environmental scientists and specialists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about environmental scientists and specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Environmental scientists and specialists typically work in office settings and laboratories but may spend time in the field. Most environmental scientists and specialists work full time.
How to Become an Environmental Scientist or Specialist
To enter the occupation, environmental scientists and specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in natural science or a related field.
Pay
The median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $82,220 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 7,300 openings for environmental scientists and specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for environmental scientists and specialists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of environmental scientists and specialists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about environmental scientists and specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for environmental scientists and specialists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of environmental scientists and specialists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about environmental scientists and specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about environmental scientists and specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.