Industrial Ecologists

SOC code 19-2041 · O*NET-SOC 19-2041.03 · Extensive preparation needed · Science and engineering

Industrial Ecologists 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 industrial ecologist do?

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.
Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.
Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences.
Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.
Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste-management practices.
Review research literature to maintain knowledge on topics related to industrial ecology, such as physical science, technology, economy, and public policy.
Redesign linear, or open-loop, systems into cyclical, or closed-loop, systems so that waste products become inputs for new processes, modeling natural ecosystems.
Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.

How to become an industrial ecologist

Most people in this role hold master's degree — 65% 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

Master's Degree65%
Bachelor's Degree22%
Doctoral Degree9%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate4%

Common questions

How much does an industrial ecologist 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 industrial ecologist 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 industrial ecologist 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 Comprehension4.1/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Writing4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Science3.6/5
Active Learning3.6/5

Knowledge areas

Mathematics4.3/5
Engineering and Technology4.0/5
Chemistry3.5/5
Computers and Electronics3.4/5
Physics3.3/5
English Language3.2/5
Production and Processing3.2/5
Design3.2/5

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