Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists and specialists conduct research or investigations to protect the environment or human health.
What the job is
- The work
- Environmental scientists and specialists conduct research or investigations to protect the environment or human health.
BLS
Environmental Scientists and Specialists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- 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.
BLS
Environmental Scientists and Specialists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Good fit for
- Science students who care about clean air, water and land and like both lab and field work.
- Career cluster
- Energy & Natural Resources
Key numbers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, pay for May 2025 (environmental scientists and specialists, including health).
- Median pay
- $82,220 a year ($39.53 an hour)
BLS
Environmental Scientists and Specialists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Jobs in 2025
- 93,400
- Typical entry
- Bachelor's degree
- Training after hire
- None
Job outlook, 2025–35
- Projected growth
- +6%, which BLS calls "faster than average"
BLS
Environmental Scientists and Specialists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Jobs added
- +5,700 over 2025–35
- All U.S. jobs
- 3.5% over the same period, for comparison
How to become one
- The usual route
- To enter the occupation, environmental scientists and specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in a natural science or a related field.
BLS
Environmental Scientists and Specialists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- In short
- Environmental scientists and specialists typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field such as natural resources, biology or physical science. Internships or volunteering help; some employers prefer or require certification for the work.
- License
- None
- Paying for it
- File the FAFSA (opens by October 1) for grants, work-study and federal loans; a Pell Grant pays up to $7,395 a year (2026–27). Average public four-year tuition and fees: $11,950 in-state vs $31,880 out-of-state (2025–26). Residency rules and regional discounts · Save with 2+2 transfer
- Your state
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StateChoose a state
- AlabamaState guide
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- WashingtonState guide
- West VirginiaState guide
- WisconsinState guide
- WyomingState guide
Step-by-step roadmap
The routes step by step, the exam gates and the state license step are on one page.
Environmental scientist: bachelor's in a natural science, internships, then certification for some jobs
See the roadmap
Route 1: Bachelor's in environmental science or a natural science
More careers in Energy & Natural Resources
Open the cluster hubEvery career page in this cluster, with entry, license, pay and outlook side by side.
Every number links to the BLS page it came from, checked 21 Oct 2026. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses.