Industrial Ecologists
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.
Also called: Aquatic Ecologist, Eco-Industrial Development Consultant, Ecological Professional, Ecologist, Environmental Business Development Associate, Environmental Consultant
Median pay
$82,220
Pay for the broader BLS group “Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$52,520 – $140,010
People employed
89,250
Whole BLS group
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.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 2.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 6.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 7.Are you OK with hours that change?
Industrial Ecologists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health”.
What industrial ecologists do
- 01Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.
- 02Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.
- 03Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences.
- 04Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.
- 05Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste-management practices.
- 06Review research literature to maintain knowledge on topics related to industrial ecology, such as physical science, technology, economy, and public policy.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Science
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Chemistry
- Computers and Electronics
- Physics
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
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 industrial ecologists
- Soil and Plant Scientists89% · —
- Water Resource Specialists87% · group pay
- Conservation Scientists84% · —
- Environmental Engineers83% · —
- Agricultural Engineers78% · —
Change into industrial ecologists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Soil and Plant Scientists89% · $78,850
- Water Resource Specialists85% · $167,220
- Environmental Economists83% · $124,720
- Conservation Scientists82% · $73,010
- Biologists79% · $98,920
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.