Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

SOC code 19-2041 · O*NET-SOC 19-2041.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health 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.

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 do environmental scientists and specialists, including health do?

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.
Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.
Evaluate violations or problems discovered during inspections to determine appropriate regulatory actions or to provide advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases.
Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.
Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 47% 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 Degree47%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)21%
Master's Degree14%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate13%

Common questions

How much does an environmental scientists and specialists, including health 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 scientists and specialists, including health 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.

Is environmental scientists and specialists, including health 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

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Writing4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Science4.0/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Active Learning3.8/5
Monitoring3.6/5

Knowledge areas

English Language4.5/5
Biology3.9/5
Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
Law and Government3.5/5
Computers and Electronics3.4/5
Public Safety and Security3.3/5
Chemistry3.2/5
Administrative3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Coordination.