Conservation Scientists

SOC code 19-1031 · O*NET-SOC 19-1031.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering

Conservation Scientists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$73,010

a year

Hourly

$35.10

per hour

10th$47,550Median$73,01090th$110,410

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$77,130

$37.08 per hour

Middle 50%

$57,700 – $91,560

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$47,550 – $110,410

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

25,950

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $47,550; $22.86/hr
25th percentile: $57,700; $27.74/hr
Median percentile: $73,010; $35.10/hr
75th percentile: $91,560; $44.02/hr
90th percentile: $110,410; $53.08/hr

What does a conservation scientist do?

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.
Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information, technical guides or engineering manuals.
Gather information from geographic information systems (GIS) databases or applications to formulate land use recommendations.
Participate on work teams to plan, develop, or implement programs or policies for improving environmental habitats, wetlands, or groundwater or soil resources.

How to become a conservation scientist

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 70% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree70%
Master's Degree13%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate9%
Post-Secondary Certificate4%

Common questions

How much does a conservation scientist earn?

The national median is $73,010 a year. The full range runs from $47,550 at the 10th percentile to $110,410 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a conservation scientist without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Active Listening3.9/5
Speaking3.6/5
Writing3.5/5
Science3.5/5
Critical Thinking3.5/5
Active Learning3.3/5
Monitoring3.3/5

Knowledge areas

English Language4.3/5
Biology3.9/5
Mathematics3.7/5
Geography3.7/5
Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Chemistry3.5/5
Law and Government3.5/5
Computers and Electronics3.4/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Social Perceptiveness.