Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Environmental Compliance Inspectors examine facilities, emissions, and waste disposal practices to ensure they meet federal, state, and local environmental laws. They work for government agencies, environmental firms, and industrial companies, conducting site visits, collecting samples, reviewing records, and documenting violations to protect public health and natural resources.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against environmental compliance inspectors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves scheduling and conducting on-site inspections at factories, landfills, water treatment plants, or construction sites. Inspectors collect air, water, or soil samples, photograph evidence, interview facility managers, and review permits and compliance documentation. They write detailed reports, analyze findings against regulations, and may testify about violations or recommend corrective actions.
Who this work suits
Holland code CIR. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer structured processes and clear rules—the conventional interest draws you to regulatory frameworks and documentation. Your investigative side pushes you to dig into problems, gather evidence, and piece together what's happening on the ground to uncover violations.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $84,590 | $111,030 | $132,960 | 4,380 |
| Massachusetts | $78,390 | $102,060 | $130,230 | 13,190 |
| New Jersey | $76,180 | $100,000 | $128,790 | 13,310 |
| California | $71,240 | $96,980 | $127,380 | 49,880 |
| Connecticut | $71,810 | $91,810 | $109,990 | 3,610 |
| Delaware | $65,520 | $91,050 | $105,800 | 2,150 |
| Vermont | $68,220 | $90,420 | $108,510 | 1,960 |
| New York | $66,670 | $90,080 | $119,430 | 23,500 |
| Washington | $74,770 | $88,790 | $116,210 | 11,130 |
| Rhode Island | $74,550 | $87,620 | $110,090 | 970 |
| Minnesota | $68,200 | $85,920 | $109,010 | 6,140 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,280 | $85,580 | $130,990 | 19,810 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Environmental Storm Water Compliance Professional (CESCP) — National Registry of Environmental Professionals
- Associate in Regulation and Compliance (ARC) — The Institutes
- Certified Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI) — EnviroCert International, Inc.
- Associate, Insurance Regulatory Compliance (AIRC) — LOMA
- WSO - Certified Governmental Environmental Officer (WSO-CGEO) — World Safety Organization
- Registered Environmental Property Assessor (REPA) — National Registry of Environmental Professionals
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against environmental compliance inspectors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-1041.01 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.