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Average Salary in Environmental Science

Workers in an environmental-related field are in high demand, due to the rising commitment to protecting the natural world. Most salary figures are presented as a median value instead of average to more closely reflect the typical salary you could expect within this field. Let’s take a look at just how much you can expect to earn as an environmental scientist, along with how you can make more money in this field.

Job Outlook

First and foremost, let’s define what we mean by a growing field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2012 to 2022.” This is not only a faster rate of growth than the national average (11%), but faster than other life, physical, and social science occupations (10%) as well. Much of this growth is projected in the private sector, but nearly every business and organization will be continuing to look for ways to decrease their impact on the environment.

Average Salary Rates

According to the BLS, the median salary of environmental scientists is $63,570 annually, as of May 2012. The amount you make depends largely on the type of job you take after graduating with this type of degree. Some of your options include the following:

  • Geoscientists: $90,890
  • Atmospheric Scientists: $89,260
  • Biochemists: $81,480
  • Hydrologists: $75,530
  • Conservation Scientists and Foresters: $59,060
  • Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists: $57,710

Your salary will also vary according to your level of experience and education. The more experience you have, the higher your salary can be. Same goes for education. With a master’s degree, you’ll likely earn more given the skills and knowledge you possess. Also, if you specialize in an area of environmental science such as biochemistry or biotechnology, you narrow the competition and increase your chances of getting work.

Salary by Location

Location is one of the most influencing factors when determining how much you’ll earn as an environmental scientist. Looking for specific cities where salary rates are high? Try Ann Arbor, Washington DC, San Francisco, Columbia, MO, Oakland, and San Jose. In addition, more rural locations where you can make a high salary as an environmental scientist include Southwest Minnesota, Western Central Nevada, East Central Pennsylvania, and Northeastern Virginia.

Salary by Employer

The type of employer hiring you also makes a difference in the salary you’ll ultimately be offered. Lots of different companies and organizations hire environmental scientists, especially since changing laws are holding business more accountable for the environmental impact they have. Some of the highest-paying employers include the following:

  • Outpatient Care Centers: $103,610
  • Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing: $103,020
  • Oil and Gas Extraction: $97,840
  • Federal Executive Branch: $97,610
  • Resin, Synthetic Rubber, and Artificial Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing : $95,030

In addition, a large number of jobs can be found with architecture and engineering companies, manufacturing consulting services, state and local government departments, and research facilities.

How to Increase Your Salary Potential

Knowing the salary numbers and data is all good and well, and environmental science is clearly a field with a lot of growth. Suffice it to say, the trendiness of the programs means there will be lots of competition in the future. Consider these tips to boosting your earning potential:

  1. Get an internship in college. This is the best way to get experience while still finishing your education. They may often be unpaid, but internships are a great way towards being offered a full-time job.
  2. Network with professionals in the field to get ahead in the game. This is another advantage of getting an internship. Either through employers or educators, start making connections as soon as possible.
  3. Earn an advanced degree. More education will always be beneficial. Perhaps you feel like getting work experience before getting a second degree, but maybe you feel like postponing your career just a little bit longer and keep the education motor running. Either way, an advanced degree will make your earning potential balloon.

Some graduates choose to start their own business, and given how renewable energy sources are on the rise, there’s definitely a market for entrepreneurs with a green thumb. If you’re interested in starting your own business, perhaps gain a few years of experience, develop a business plan, and go for it!

Featured Online Programs

Ashford University — The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at Ashford University explores cultural, social, and environmental issues at the local and global level. The Environmental Management MBA program features a greater emphasis on business management of environmental organizations. Ashford University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510-748-9001, wascsenior.org.
Johns Hopkins University — Johns Hopkins University offers numerous degrees in the environmental science field. The school's MS in Environmental Sciences and Policy degree features an interdisciplinary curriculum in the basic sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Courses review the ozone layer, greenhouse gases, nuclear waste, and acid rain.
Liberty University — The Bachelor of Science in Green & Sustainable Management from Liberty University features a curriculum that reviews federal EPA and state environmental rules and regulations, explores environmental principles, and examines environmental protections. Courses study industrial waste, solid waste and hazardous waste management along with solutions for minimizing air, soil and water pollution.
Purdue University — The Purdue University Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Management degree program provides for an interdisciplinary approach to environmental science. Courses study environmental issues and policies and examine relationships between public and private sectors. The MS in Environmental Policy dives deeper into the field, by questioning current trends in the industry.
Rochester Institute of Technology — The MS in Environmental Science from Rochester Institute of Technology is a great degree for those venturing out into the green industry. Upon graduation, students will be able to utilize project management skills to achieve performance objectives, demonstrate a working knowledge and leadership of an array of renewable energy sources, and prepare sample bids and sample project development plans.
Southern New Hampshire University — The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree from the Southern New Hampshire University helps students prepare for a teaching career in secondary schools, colleges, and universities. Courses include Principles of Biology, Introductory Chemistry, Principles of Environmental Science, Physical Geology, and Conservation Biology.
Colorado Technical University — "CTU’s Doctor of Management - Environmental and Social Sustainability degree program is designed for professionals passionate about making a positive difference in the world. As more organizations recognize the need to conserve energy and other resources, this doctorate degree can help you acquire the credentials to guide organizational policy and action in a direction that shows concern for profits, people and the planet."
Stockton University — "The PSM is built around a solid core of required technical and non-technical courses that provide common baseline knowledge. This core is supplemented by a broad selection of electives tailored to an individual’s specialty area. In combination, the core and associated electives form a curriculum that can easily adapt to the needs of individual students."

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