Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Environmental scientists and specialists investigate sources of pollution and environmental hazards that threaten public health. They collect and analyze data, conduct research, and recommend solutions to reduce or eliminate these threats. These professionals work for government agencies, consulting firms, research institutions, and private companies across industries.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against environmental scientists and specialists, including health and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves field work collecting environmental samples from soil, water, or air, followed by laboratory analysis and data review. Environmental scientists may conduct site inspections, review permit applications, or assess compliance with regulations. They write technical reports documenting findings and meet with stakeholders to present results and discuss remediation strategies. Some time is spent using specialized equipment and software to model environmental conditions.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're suited to this work if you enjoy investigating problems systematically and working with concrete, measurable data. You prefer hands-on research and practical solutions, combining scientific knowledge with field observation to understand real-world environmental issues.
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
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- SUPERVISORY INTERDISCIPLINARY LIFE SCIENTIST/ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER/PHYSICAL SCIENTIST · Naval Air Systems Command · Naval Air Station San Diego, California · $121585–$158062
- Life Scientist/Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist · Environmental Protection Agency · Denver, Colorado · $118675–$154280
- Supervisory Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist · Environmental Protection Agency · Multiple Locations · $131342–$197200
- Supervisory Biologist / Environmental Engineer / Physical Scientist · Environmental Protection Agency · Multiple Locations · $154100–$197200
- Physical Scientist (Environmental) · Bonneville Power Administration · Portland, Oregon · $80465–$125378
- BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST (ENVIRONMENTAL) · United States Space Force · Schriever AFB, Colorado · $91870–$142022
- Biological Scientist Environmental · Air Mobility Command · Charleston AFB, South Carolina · $89508–$116362
- Interdisciplinary Civil Environmental Ecologist Chemist Geologist Physical Scientist · United States Army Installation Management Command · Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii · $93445–$124031
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $98,410 | $132,620 | $161,470 | 1,270 |
| California | $81,480 | $106,510 | $132,770 | 12,490 |
| Rhode Island | $79,770 | $100,730 | $123,180 | 330 |
| Massachusetts | $79,890 | $100,640 | $127,310 | 2,930 |
| Washington | $79,950 | $98,300 | $127,770 | 4,470 |
| Oregon | $76,870 | $97,440 | $113,320 | 1,370 |
| Texas | $66,640 | $92,000 | $128,380 | 5,630 |
| Alaska | $76,290 | $91,960 | $114,400 | 860 |
| Utah | $71,200 | $90,710 | $124,990 | 1,020 |
| Minnesota | $61,570 | $88,000 | $105,850 | 2,260 |
| New Mexico | $76,080 | $86,630 | $104,250 | 940 |
| Colorado | $65,670 | $85,990 | $106,690 | 2,580 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Environmental Scientist (CES) — National Registry of Environmental Professionals
- WSO - Certified Governmental Environmental Specialist (WSO-CGES) — World Safety Organization
- Registered Environmental Professional (REP) — National Registry of Environmental Professionals
- Certified in Public Health (CPH) — National Board of Public Health Examiners
- Water Loss Specialist (WLS) — Restoration Industry Association
- Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) — Board for Global EHS Credentialing
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against environmental scientists and specialists, including health and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-2041.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.