Environmental scientist

What does an environmental scientist do?

• Collect samples of air, water, soil or wildlife and record field data.
• Analyse samples and data to measure pollution and environmental change.
• Assess the environmental impact of new buildings, roads, mines or energy projects.
• Advise businesses and governments on environmental laws and how to meet them.
• Plan projects to restore damaged land, rivers or habitats.
• Write reports and explain findings to clients, regulators and the public.
• Use GIS and computer models to map risks and predict future change.

Where do they work?

Environmental scientists work for environmental consultancies, government environment agencies, local authorities, water and energy companies, mining and manufacturing firms, research institutes and charities. The work mixes fieldwork, laboratory analysis and office time writing reports. Fieldwork can be outdoors in all weather, sometimes at remote or industrial sites, and may involve travel. Consultancy roles often have tight deadlines, while government roles focus on monitoring, permits and enforcement.

What skills do you need?

• Field sampling and survey methods
• Environmental chemistry and ecology
• Data analysis and statistics
• Geographic information systems (GIS)
• Knowledge of environmental law and policy
• Report writing
• Project management
• Communication with non-specialists

Official skills profile (ESCO)

Essential skills listed for this occupation in ESCO, the European Commission's multilingual classification of skills and occupations.

• analyse environmental data
• prepare visual data
• collect samples for analysis
• implement environmental protection measures
• conduct environmental surveys
• use consulting techniques
• conduct research before survey
• assess groundwater environmental impact
• manage environmental management system
• perform environmental investigations
• advise on pollution prevention
• ensure compliance with environmental legislation

Essential knowledge: environmental legislation · pollution prevention · environmental threats · physics · environmental policy · pollution legislation · scientific research methodology · environmental management monitors

How do you become an environmental scientist?

Most environmental scientists have a bachelor's degree in environmental science, or in a related subject such as biology, chemistry, geography, geology or ecology. A master's is common and is often expected for specialist or consultancy roles, for example in contaminated land, water quality or ecology. Fieldwork experience, volunteering with conservation groups, and skills in GIS and data analysis help you stand out. Some people start as environmental technicians or field assistants and progress with experience. Graduates from other sciences can switch through a relevant master's.

1. Environmental science degree. A degree in environmental science covers ecology, environmental chemistry, earth science, pollution, policy and research methods, usually with plenty of fieldwork. It is a flexible starting point for consultancy, regulation and research. Look for courses with practical projects and placements, and with accreditation by a professional environmental body where this exists.
2. Related science degree and master's. Graduates in biology, chemistry, geography or geology can specialise through a master's in environmental science, environmental management or a focused area such as hydrology or contaminated land. Employers value the depth of a core science combined with applied environmental skills and field experience.
3. Technician or field assistant route. Some people start as environmental technicians, sampling assistants or field surveyors, sometimes after vocational training. With experience and part-time study, they can move into scientist or consultant roles. Seasonal ecological survey work is a common first step, although it is often short-term.

Degrees that lead to this career

• Environmental science

  An environmental science degree studies how the natural world works and how human activity affects air, water, soil, wildlife and climate.

  6 linked careers

• Geography

  A geography degree studies places, people and the environment, and how they affect each other.

  5 linked careers

• Biology

  A biology degree teaches how living things work, from molecules and cells to whole organisms and ecosystems.

  6 linked careers

• Chemistry

  A chemistry degree teaches how substances are built, how they react and how to make and analyse new materials, through theory and a lot of laboratory work.

  6 linked careers

• Geology

  A geology degree studies the Earth: its rocks, minerals, fossils and structure, and the processes that shape it, from volcanoes and earthquakes to groundwater and past climates.

  4 linked careers

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Do you need a licence to work as an environmental scientist?

Environmental science is not a regulated profession in most countries, so you do not need a licence to work as an environmental scientist. Some tasks need specific permits or certificates, such as surveys of protected species or work with hazardous waste. A few places, including some US states, license professionals who sign off the clean-up of contaminated sites. Voluntary status, such as Chartered Environmentalist in the UK, can help your career.

How much does an environmental scientist earn?

Pay in the United States

• $82,220Median annual wage, May 2025
• $52,520–$140,010Range from the lowest-paid 10% to the highest-paid 10%
• 89.3KPeople employed in the US

US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, SOC 19-2041, May 2025. National estimates across all industries; excludes the self-employed.

Earnings of Professionals around the world

Most countries do not publish pay for single job titles. The International Labour Organization collects median monthly earnings for broad occupation groups instead. This career belongs to ISCO-08 major group 2, "Professionals". The table covers the whole group, which includes environmental scientist and many other occupations.

Source: ILOSTAT, median monthly earnings of employees, latest year available. PPP$ adjusts for price differences between countries so figures can be compared. "vs all employees" compares the group's median with the median for all occupations in the same country.

Career progression

1. Field technician or graduate environmental scientist
2. Environmental scientist or consultant
3. Senior environmental scientist
4. Principal consultant or team leader
5. Technical director or head of environment

Job outlook

Stricter environmental laws, climate change, loss of biodiversity and company sustainability reporting create steady demand for environmental expertise. Growth areas include climate risk, nature restoration, water management and the clean-up of contaminated land. However, many roles depend on government regulation and public spending, which can change after elections. Graduate entry can be competitive, so fieldwork experience and skills in data, GIS and modelling make a real difference.

Questions about becoming an environmental scientist

What does an environmental scientist do?

An environmental scientist studies the environment and how people affect it. Typical work includes sampling air, water and soil, analysing pollution, surveying wildlife and habitats, and writing reports on the environmental impact of projects. Many advise businesses or governments on how to meet environmental laws and reduce harm to nature and people.

What degree do you need to be an environmental scientist?

A bachelor's in environmental science is the most direct route. Degrees in biology, chemistry, geography, geology or ecology are also common. Many employers, especially consultancies, prefer candidates with a master's in a specialist area. Practical skills in fieldwork, GIS and data analysis are often as important as the degree subject.

Is environmental science a good career?

It suits people who want to protect nature and public health through practical science. Demand is growing in areas such as climate risk and nature restoration, but competition for graduate jobs can be strong, and some roles depend on government policy. Pay in conservation and charity work is often lower than in consultancy or industry.

What is the difference between environmental science and environmental engineering?

Environmental science studies natural systems and measures environmental problems. Environmental engineering designs practical solutions, such as water treatment plants, drainage systems and methods to clean up polluted land. Scientists usually come from science degrees, while engineers need an engineering degree and may seek professional registration. The two often work together on the same projects.

Related careers

• Environmental engineer

  Environmental engineers design systems that protect people and nature from pollution, such as drinking water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, waste and recycling facilities, and the clean-up of contaminated land.

  Degree required

• Geologist

  Geologists study the Earth, including its rocks, minerals, soils and water and the processes that shape them.

  Degree required

• Biologist

  Biologists study living things, from molecules and cells to plants, animals and whole ecosystems, and apply what they learn in health, farming, conservation and industry.

  Degree required

• Urban planner

  Urban planners decide how land in cities, towns and regions should be used, balancing housing, transport, jobs, public services and the environment.

  Degree usually needed

• Agronomist

  Agronomists are scientists who help farmers grow crops more productively and sustainably.

  Degree required

Sources

1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — SOC 19-2041, national estimates, May 2025
2. ILOSTAT — Median monthly earnings of employees by occupation — ISCO-08 major groups, latest year per country
3. European Commission — ESCO occupation profile — ESCO code 2133.7

How to cite this page: CourseToJob (2026). How to become an environmental scientist: degrees, skills and salary. https://coursetojob.com/careers/environmental-scientist/ (accessed September 26, 2026)

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