Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary: Salary guide 2025 – $94,980 median
Postsecondary environmental science teachers earn a median annual salary of $94,980 — or about $103,610 on average, roughly $46 per hour. That’s based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering 6,690 professionals across U.S. colleges and universities. The bottom 10% of earners make around $57,780, while the top 10% pull in over $164,190.
How much Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The median wage for postsecondary environmental science teachers is $94,980, with the typical range stretching from $57,780 (10th percentile) to $164,190 (90th percentile). The mean salary is $103,610. These are BLS estimates for May 2023, updated in 2024.
- Median: $94,980
- Mean: $103,610 ($46/hour)
- 10th percentile: $57,780
- 90th percentile: $164,190
Pay by state
Where you teach matters a lot. The highest-paying states are Kentucky ($139,110), Maryland ($131,060), Oklahoma ($113,680), Michigan ($112,730), and New Mexico ($111,270). On the other end, Mississippi ($76,210), Alabama ($64,700), and Arkansas ($59,910) pay well below the national median.
How to become Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Most positions require a doctoral degree in environmental science or a closely related field, though some community colleges hire master’s-level instructors. Typical steps: earn a bachelor’s in environmental science, biology, or chemistry; complete a master’s and then a PhD with a focus area (e.g., ecology, hydrology); gain teaching or research experience during grad school as a TA or postdoc; then apply for tenure-track or adjunct roles. Public universities may require state certification or licensure for teaching, but that’s rare for postsecondary. The BLS doesn’t list specific certifications, but a PhD is the standard entry credential for four-year schools.
- Doctoral degree required at most universities
- Master’s may suffice at community colleges
- Gain teaching experience as a TA or adjunct
- Publish research to boost tenure-track prospects
Job outlook
Employment for postsecondary environmental science teachers is projected to grow 2.9% from 2024 to 2034 — about as fast as average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 700 new openings per year, mostly from retirements and enrollment shifts. The field is small (6,690 jobs in 2023), so competition for tenure-track spots can be stiff.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary of an Environmental Science Teacher, Postsecondary in 2025?
The median annual salary is $94,980, with a mean of $103,610. Pay ranges from $57,780 at the 10th percentile to $164,190 at the 90th, based on BLS data.
How do you become a postsecondary environmental science teacher?
You typically need a doctoral degree (PhD) in environmental science or a related field, plus teaching experience. Some community colleges hire with a master’s. A strong research portfolio helps for tenure-track jobs.
Is the job outlook good for environmental science professors?
Employment is projected to grow 2.9% from 2024-2034, about as fast as average. About 700 job openings per year are expected, though competition varies by institution.
Which states pay the best for this career?
Kentucky ($139,110), Maryland ($131,060), Oklahoma ($113,680), Michigan ($112,730), and New Mexico ($111,270) are the top states. Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas pay the least.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary data.