Environmental Scientists & Specialists Salary 2025: $82,220 Median, 4.4% Growth
The median annual wage for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health hit $82,220 in 2024, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That's about $40 an hour. The top 10% earn over $140,010; the bottom 10% make $52,520 or less. Those numbers come from BLS's Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — the most authoritative pay survey for U.S. occupations. The occupation employs 89,250 people across the country, and it's adding jobs at a faster-than-average clip.
How much Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health earn
The mean annual wage for the occupation is $91,680 — higher than the median because top earners pull the average up. Half of all workers earn between about $52,520 and $140,010. The lowest paid tend to work in state and local government or testing labs; the highest paid are often in federal government or private consulting. Experience matters: early-career environmental scientists typically start near the 10th percentile, while senior staff with PE licenses or advanced degrees can cross $130,000.
Pay also varies sharply by industry. The highest-paid industry for this occupation is the federal executive branch, with a mean wage of $120,550. Management, scientific, and technical consulting services pays a mean of $93,550. State government, by contrast, averages $74,370.
Pay by state
Where you work is a huge pay lever. The District of Columbia leads all states with an average wage of $132,620 — not surprising given the concentration of federal agencies and contractors. California comes second at $106,510, reflecting both high cost of living and strong environmental regulation. Rhode Island ($100,730), Massachusetts ($100,640), and Washington ($98,300) round out the top five. All five states have mean wages above $95,000.
At the low end, Florida averages $60,830, followed by Mississippi at $57,780 and Arkansas at $57,220. Many of the lowest-paying states have less regulatory pressure and fewer high-tech environmental consulting firms. Relocating to a high-paying state could boost your salary by more than $50,000, but always factor in cost of living.
How to become Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry requirement — typically in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or a related natural science. Some employers prefer a master's degree for advanced research or management roles. Coursework should include geology, hydrology, statistics, and environmental law. Labs and field work are common.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, or a related field. A master's can open higher-paying doors.
- Gain experience through internships or entry-level technician roles. Many specialists start as environmental technicians or field assistants.
- Consider professional certification: the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) or Registered Environmental Manager (REM) can boost credentials. Some states require licensure for work involving hazardous waste or water quality.
- Develop technical skills: GIS, data analysis software (R, Python), and familiarity with EPA regulations are commonly sought.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for environmental scientists and specialists to grow 4.4% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 8,500 new job openings each year over the decade, most coming from retirements and turnover. Demand is driven by increasing environmental regulations, climate change adaptation, and the need to clean up contaminated sites.
Key growth sectors include private consulting — firms that help businesses comply with environmental laws — and state/local government. Federal employment is expected to be stable. The job market is competitive, but candidates with strong technical skills and a graduate degree have an edge.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for an Environmental Scientist?
Entry-level positions typically pay near the 10th percentile, which is about $52,520 per year. Starting salaries vary by location and employer; federal jobs and consulting firms tend to pay more than state government.
Do Environmental Scientists need a license?
Not always, but many states require Professional Engineer (PE) licensure for work that affects public safety, like hazardous waste site remediation. The Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a common voluntary credential.
Is Environmental Science a growing field?
Yes, employment is projected to grow 4.4% from 2024 to 2034, which the BLS categorizes as faster than average. About 8,500 openings per year are expected, mainly from workers leaving the occupation.
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 Scientists and Specialists, Including Health data.