Environmental Scientists and Specialists
O*NET title: Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Also called: Environmental Scientists and Specialists
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.
Also called: Air Analyst, Ecological Modeler, Environmental Analyst, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Designer, Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist)
Median pay
$82,220
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$52,520 – $140,010
People employed
89,250
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 2.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 3.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 4.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 5.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Environmental Scientists and Specialists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists salary in every state →
What environmental scientists and specialists do
- 01Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
- 02Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
- 03Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.
- 04Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
- 05Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.
- 06Evaluate violations or problems discovered during inspections to determine appropriate regulatory actions or to provide advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases.
Skills that matter most
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- English Language
- Biology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from environmental scientists and specialists
- Conservation Scientists93% · −11%
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors90% · group pay
- Environmental Engineers87% · +30%
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers84% · group pay
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists82% · −7%
Change into environmental scientists and specialists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Conservation Scientists93% · $73,010
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors90% · $80,730
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health89% · $55,090
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists89% · $76,780
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers87% · $141,900
Majors that lead here
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Molecular Toxicology
- Environmental Toxicology
- Marine Sciences
- Sustainability Studies
- Environmental Geosciences
- Geography and Environmental Studies
- Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental Health
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.