How much does an environment scientist make?
a year · about $40 an hour
A typical environment scientist in the United States makes $82,220 a year, about $40 an hour, about 1.6× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They might collect water, soil, or air samples outdoors, then test the results in a lab or on a computer. They use what they find to spot pollution risks and write reports or explain what should be done.
Did you know? U.S. scientists can detect invasive carp by testing water for tiny traces of their DNA—sometimes before anyone sees or catches the fish.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $52,520 and $140,010How do you become one?
In the U.S., most enter with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related natural science, such as biology; internships or volunteering can add practical experience. Some employers prefer or require a job-related certificate.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience, job-related certificates, specialized skills, and taking on more responsibility can affect pay. Government agencies, consulting firms, and engineering companies may pay differently, and location matters. Field projects can mean extra hours or night and weekend shifts, which may also change earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($132,620), lowest in Florida ($60,830).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $52,520 | $82,220 | $140,010 | about 89,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $132,620 | about 1,000 |
| California | $106,510 | about 12,000 |
| Massachusetts | $100,640 | about 3,000 |
| Washington | $98,300 | about 4,000 |
| Oregon | $97,440 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: 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. Excludes “Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists” (19-1023), “Conservation Scientists” (19-1031), “Forest and Conservation Technicians” (19-4071), “Occupational Health and Safety Specialists” (19-5011), “Fish and Game Wardens” (33-3031), and “Forest and Conservation Workers” (45-4011).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/OOH/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-sp
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-2041.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.usgs.gov/programs/biological-threats-and-invasive-species-research-program/s
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY