How to become environmental scientists and specialists, including healtheducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$82,220
25th–75th pct. $64,490–$107,970
Top pay (est.)
$182,000
Top 10% $140,010
Pay in 5 years
$93,500est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$106,200est.
$91,400–$123,300
Outlook score
59/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
67%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+6.1%
7,300 openings / yr

How to become environmental scientists and specialists, including health

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
4.8
Writing
4.6
Science
4.5
Critical Thinking
4.2
Active Listening
4.2
Speaking
4.1
Mathematics
4.1
Complex Problem Solving
4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

English Language
4.3
Administrative
4.3
Biology
4.2
Computers and Electronics
4.2
Customer and Personal Service
4.0
Public Safety and Security
3.5
Education and Training
3.5
Engineering and Technology
3.4

What the work involves

Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationAnalyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesGetting InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionInductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityWritten Expression

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
47%
Master's degree
14%
Post-bachelor's certificate
13%
Doctoral degree
4%

Training before entry

1–2 years
32%
1–3 months
15%
6–12 months
12%
3–6 months
11%
Up to 1 month
7%
None / short demo
1%

Related work experience

1–2 years
27%
6–8 years
14%
6–12 months
12%
2–4 years
10%
None
6%
3–6 months
2%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as environmental scientists and specialists, including health

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.