Environmental Studies Salary Guide

Caring about the environment is more important than ever. With an ever-growing number of corporations and organizations interested in sustainability and minimizing their ecological impact, there’s never been a better time to enter the workforce with an environmental studies degree.

Environmental studies is a discipline that investigates our interactions with the world around us. More specifically, the field focuses on ways we can improve our relationship with the environment.

When you graduate from an environmental studies program, you won’t just have the chance to change the world for the better—you’ll also have a chance at a satisfying job that earns you a comfortable salary.

Whether you’re sold on a career in environmental science or simply weighing your options, this guide is for you. We’ll be looking at six current examples of salaries for careers in environmental studies before turning to what the future of the discipline might look like. We’ll also explore ways you can work toward a higher salary in your chosen field.

Environmental Science Careers and Their Salaries

How much do environmental studies majors make? Well, it depends on the career path you choose. Luckily, there are plenty of positions available to you. An environmental studies degree can open countless doors—both in environment-related fields and beyond.

Let’s look at six of the most popular environmental science careers out there today.

Environmental Scientist

What do environmental scientists do, exactly? Splitting their time between offices and labs, environmental scientists work to protect humans and the environment. Some of these scientists work directly in the environment, cleaning up highly polluted locations or gathering water and soil samples. Others work with elected officials and advocates to develop eco-friendly policies.

When it comes to environmental studies jobs salary is only one consideration. Those who work in the field aim to create or maintain a healthy balance between people and nature. That could mean addressing climate change, restoring ill-managed natural areas to their former glory, or working with developers to limit environmental impacts.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for an environmental scientist is $76,530 per year.

Environmental Engineer

These specialized engineers combine the principles of environmental science with structural engineering. In other words, they design and build environmentally friendly structures or systems.

On a medium-to-large scale, their work involves environmental engineering projects such as:

• Developing industrial and municipal waste and water treatment systems
• Improving local recycling facilities
• Assessing the environmental impact of planned architectural works
• Exploring building materials that can resist acid rain and other extreme weather

On a global scale, environmental engineers may strive to make clean water and air accessible to all through national or international projects. They also advise government agencies and policymakers on regulatory safety as it pertains to the environment.

All of this important work can be lucrative, too. As an environmental engineer, you can earn a median salary of $96,820 a year according to the BLS.

Urban Planner

Urban planners establish land use plans for cities and communities. Whether they’re expanding into untouched areas or reassessing land that is currently in use, they strive to account for environmental concerns. For example, they may work with public officials to ensure that new developments don’t affect sensitive natural areas.

While you will account for environmental concerns as an urban or regional planner, you’ll have other responsibilities, too. Your day-to-day duties could, for instance, include:

• Submitting and reviewing proposals for changes in land usage
• Meeting with developers and government officials
• Collaborating with lawyers and environmental scientists to stay compliant with current policies
• Reviewing ever-changing laws and zoning regulations

If you're interested in this environmental career path, the median salary for an urban or regional planner is $78,500 per year as BLS reports.

Conservation Scientist

Conservation scientists work with diverse groups to ensure the quality of parks, forests and other natural landscapes and resources. While you may spend some time in the office, most conservationists work in the field—sometimes literally—to monitor soil and water first-hand.

One of the best parts of conservation science is the diverse perspectives you’ll encounter. In any given week, you could meet with private landowners, government officials, farmers, CEOs and foresters. No matter who you meet with, your job is the same—to be an advocate for sustainable land use.

As a conservation scientist, you can expect to earn a median annual salary of $63,750 per the BLS.

Zoologist

While many environmental science careers focus on humans, zoologists study the interaction between plants, animals and their environment. At the same time, they investigate the role that humans play in these increasingly interconnected relationships.

As a zoologist, you’ll work closely with conservation scientists and policymakers to find ways for humans and animals to coexist. For example, you might develop a program that regulates game animal reproduction, keeping populations stable enough for controlled hunting but not so high that other wildlife is threatened.

The median salary for a zoologist is $64,650 a year according to the BLS.

Postsecondary Teacher

Of course, someone needs to lead the next generation of environmentalists. College and university professors share their existing knowledge of environmental science with students, but they also learn from their students. 

By fostering the diverse perspectives of new students and the research projects they complete, postsecondary educators are often at the forefront of changes in environmental science.

Your responsibilities as a postsecondary teacher include:

• Developing curricula for each course
• Curating lesson plans for each class
• Grading assignments and exams
• Providing additional support to students during office hours
• Conducting research projects in the library and  as well as in the field

Postsecondary education is a rewarding career with a median annual salary of $79,640 according to the BLS.