Environmental Restoration Planners

SOC code 19-2041 · O*NET-SOC 19-2041.02 · Extensive preparation needed · Science and engineering

Environmental Restoration Planners pay

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

Median pay

$82,220

a year

Hourly

$39.53

per hour

10th$52,520Median$82,22090th$140,010

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

Average pay

$91,680

$44.08 per hour

Middle 50%

$64,490 – $107,970

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$52,520 – $140,010

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

89,250

nationwide

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

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $52,520; $25.25/hr
25th percentile: $64,490; $31.01/hr
Median percentile: $82,220; $39.53/hr
75th percentile: $107,970; $51.91/hr
90th percentile: $140,010; $67.31/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+4%

Growing faster than average

90,300

jobs in 2024

94,300

projected for 2034

About 4,000 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does an environmental restoration planner do?

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Develop environmental restoration project schedules and budgets.
Provide technical direction on environmental planning to energy engineers, biologists, geologists, or other professionals working to develop restoration plans or strategies.
Create habitat management or restoration plans, such as native tree restoration and weed control.
Conduct site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs.
Collect and analyze data to determine environmental conditions and restoration needs.
Supervise and provide technical guidance, training, or assistance to employees working in the field to restore habitats.
Plan environmental restoration projects, using biological databases, environmental strategies, and planning software.
Communicate findings of environmental studies or proposals for environmental remediation to other restoration professionals.

How to become an environmental restoration planner

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 50% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree50%
Master's Degree41%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate9%

Common questions

How much does an environmental restoration planner earn?

The national median is $82,220 a year. The full range runs from $52,520 at the 10th percentile to $140,010 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an environmental restoration planner without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is environmental restoration planner in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 4% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking4.0/5
Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Active Listening3.9/5
Writing3.9/5
Speaking3.9/5
Monitoring3.8/5
Science3.5/5

Knowledge areas

Biology4.7/5
English Language4.0/5
Geography3.8/5
Design3.7/5
Mathematics3.6/5
Administration and Management3.5/5
Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
Law and Government3.5/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis.