Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental science teachers at colleges and universities instruct students in courses covering topics like ecology, conservation, pollution, and climate systems. They work in higher education settings, typically splitting time between classroom instruction and research projects. Most hold graduate degrees and bring substantial expertise to their field.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against environmental science teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A week includes preparing and delivering lectures, grading assignments and exams, and meeting with students during office hours. Environmental science teachers often spend time designing laboratory experiments or field studies, analyzing research data, and writing grant proposals or academic papers. They may supervise student research projects, serve on departmental committees, and attend professional conferences to stay current with environmental science developments.
Who this work suits
Holland code ISR. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy investigating complex environmental systems and understanding how they work. You're drawn to teaching and sharing knowledge with others, and you want your work to have social impact through educating the next generation of environmental professionals.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $84,130 | $139,110 | $179,770 | 70 |
| Maryland | $97,110 | $131,060 | $170,270 | 220 |
| Oklahoma | $107,790 | $113,680 | $137,990 | 30 |
| Michigan | $77,090 | $112,730 | $135,140 | 270 |
| New Mexico | $81,600 | $111,270 | $144,390 | 50 |
| California | $78,070 | $108,290 | $135,790 | 300 |
| Massachusetts | $80,460 | $106,110 | $139,510 | 280 |
| Virginia | $63,990 | $104,730 | $135,350 | 300 |
| Illinois | $75,020 | $104,440 | $126,880 | 170 |
| Utah | $80,840 | $103,510 | $120,650 | 40 |
| New Hampshire | $80,740 | $102,650 | $119,000 | 90 |
| New York | $76,520 | $102,640 | $126,080 | 610 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- National Board Certification - Science - Adolescence and Young Adulthood — National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
- Praxis Subject Assessment: General Science: Content Knowledge (5436) — Educational Testing Service
- Certified Environmental Scientist (CES) — 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 science teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 25-1053.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.