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Job outlook for environmental planners in the United States
Are environmental planner jobs in demand?
Environmental planner job and salary trends over time
Environmental planner jobs over time
Environmental planner job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,236 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,456 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,540 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,538 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,525 | 0.00% |
Average environmental planner salary over time
Environmental planner salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $71,174 | $34.22 | +3.7% |
| 2025 | $68,655 | $33.01 | +1.4% |
| 2024 | $67,697 | $32.55 | +0.9% |
| 2023 | $67,064 | $32.24 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $65,588 | $31.53 | +0.4% |
Environmental planner jobs by state
Most common states for environmental planners
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 94 | 14% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 78 | 10% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 64 | 9% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 450 | 7% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 93 | 7% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 484 | 6% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 313 | 6% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 229 | 6% |
| 9 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 180 | 6% |
| 10 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 110 | 6% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 85 | 6% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 369 | 5% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 295 | 5% |
| 14 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 294 | 5% |
| 15 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,521 | 4% |
| 16 | New York | 19,849,399 | 812 | 4% |
| 17 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 376 | 4% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 229 | 4% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 147 | 4% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 74 | 4% |
Most common cities for environmental planners
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 2 | 5% | $78,043 |
| 2 | Lansing | 4 | 3% | $74,793 |
| 3 | Sacramento | 12 | 2% | $88,144 |
| 4 | Oakland | 8 | 2% | $89,063 |
| 5 | Irvine | 4 | 2% | $85,933 |
| 6 | San Jose | 7 | 1% | $88,894 |
| 7 | Boston | 6 | 1% | $82,818 |
| 8 | San Francisco | 6 | 1% | $89,211 |
| 9 | Denver | 4 | 1% | $81,012 |
| 10 | Washington | 4 | 1% | $87,621 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $59,923 |
| 12 | Baton Rouge | 3 | 1% | $79,424 |
| 13 | Urban Honolulu | 3 | 1% | $71,219 |
| 14 | Los Angeles | 8 | 0% | $86,184 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 5 | 0% | $74,810 |
| 16 | San Diego | 5 | 0% | $85,668 |
| 17 | Indianapolis | 4 | 0% | $67,248 |
Environmental Planner job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of environmental planner experts
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
University of Rhode Island
University of Houston
University of New Hampshire
New Mexico State University
University of North Alabama
Elon University
Tarleton State University
Kennesaw State University
Auburn University-Montgomery
Oberlin College
University of Minnesota
Montana State University - Bozeman
North Carolina State University
University of Delaware
Rutgers, The State University
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Howard University
What Environmental Planner skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Virginia Charter PhD, PE, FSFPE: Employers are looking for a well-rounded engineer or specialist. They want to see individuals that have the technical area knowledge and also the capability to communicate, work on a team, problem solve, and project manage.
Stentor Danielson
Associate ProfessorSlippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What Environmental Planner skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stentor Danielson: Technical skills (e.g. GIS) are always important, but I think students often overlook the importance of social skills – joining or leading a team, managing a project, communicating information effectively, community outreach, respecting diversity among coworkers and clients (I'm a big advocate of learning a second language). Good social skills will make your work more effective and open up new opportunities.
Simona Trandafir
Associate Professor & Undergraduate Program DirectorUniversity of Rhode Island
Environmental/Natural Resources Management And Policy
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Planner?
Simona Trandafir: I recommend focusing on sectors and roles where the demand for environmental expertise is growing, such as sustainable energy, environmental consulting, and governmental agencies. Gaining certifications in various fields such as environmental impact assessment, energy management and sustainability reporting can be beneficial. Also, consider roles that involve economic analysis of environmental policies or management of natural resources, as these tend to offer higher compensation due to their specialized nature. Building a strong professional network and pursuing opportunities in larger, economically diverse cities or regions can also lead to higher salary prospects.
What Environmental Planner skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Simona Trandafir: In the next few years, there may be a growing emphasis on skills related to data analysis and modeling due to the increasing availability of environmental data. Proficiency in tools for spatial analysis and environmental simulation software will be highly desirable. Additionally, skills in sustainability reporting and green finance will become more prevalent as businesses and governments will focus more on sustainable practices and investments. Also, effective communication skills, particularly in translating complex ecological and economic data to various stakeholders, will remain desirable.
What will help Environmental Planners increase their earning potential?
Scott Rowland: (in no particular order) Be willing to learn new skills on the job, and make sure to /not /say you can do something that you actually cannot do. Be willing to take jobs that involve travel or working overtime. Turn reports in on time, better yet before on time. If you know/see that a colleague is having trouble with a task, ask if they would like a hand and if they say no, leave it at that. Listen more than you speak. Get to work (including job sites) on time with all the proper tools, supplies, and PPE. /Wear/ your PPE, even if others aren't.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Planner?
Dr. Mim Rahimi Ph.D.: To maximize your salary potential, focus on developing specialized skills that are in high demand but low supply within the field, such as expertise in renewable energy systems or advanced waste treatment technologies. Gaining certifications relevant to these areas can also be beneficial. Furthermore, demonstrating your impact through quantifiable achievements and taking initiative in key projects can position you for promotions and higher salary opportunities.
What will help Environmental Planners increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mim Rahimi Ph.D.: In the next 3-5 years, skills in data analysis and technological proficiency, particularly in areas like GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and environmental modeling software, will become important. Additionally, soft skills such as effective communication and project management will be essential as projects often involve multidisciplinary teams and require the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.
What Environmental Planner skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. James Malley Jr: Some of this is market driven by the type of employer (public versus private), the location of the job (major metropolitan area versus a more rural or smaller city), etc. In the foreseeable future due to Environmental Engineering becoming popular around 1970 there are many people approaching retirement age (“the silver tsunami”) so jobs will likely be plentiful which will help. So, to maximize starting salaries you will want to do your homework and study the different employers, regions, etc. to see what salary ranges are realistic. Then pursue the opportunities that have the higher starting salaries if that is your priority (clearly an Environmental Engineer working for a major industry such as gas and oil will have a higher starting salary offer than one working for municipal governments) and also carefully interview the firms when they invite you to interview to find out how they handle things like overtime, bonuses, salary review frequency, etc.
Geno Picchioni
ProfessorNew Mexico State University
Applied Horticulture And Horticultural Business Services
What will help Environmental Planners increase their earning potential?
Geno Picchioni: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES. COMMUNITY BUILDING.
Michael Pretes
Professor and Chair of Geoscience, University of North AlabamaUniversity of North Alabama
Geography And Cartography
What soft skills should all Environmental Planners possess?
Michael Pretes: Good communication skills are essential for Environmental Analyst positions, as indeed they are for most jobs. This means good written, oral, and visual communication skills. Writing skills are used in everything from emails to technical reports. Oral communication skills are essential when speaking to individuals and to small and large groups. And visual communication skills are increasingly important in everything from social media to the production of maps, charts, and images.
What skills stand out on Environmental Planner resumes?
Michael Pretes: Environmental Analyst jobs are increasingly important, given greater impact and awareness of sustainability and climate change issues. Environmental Analysts help determine the environmental impacts of human actions and corporate and government policies. They also help corporations and government agencies achieve compliance with environmental regulations. Work, internship, or volunteer experience in areas related to the job really stands out on a resume. This could mean work that involves either field experience or policy development and reports writing. Field experience can mean the collection of land, water, or atmospheric data in the area of impact rather than from textual sources. Each type of data collection will require its own set of skills. Having been involved in policy decisions or having written and published reports on environmental conditions or impacts also looks good for some types of jobs.
Will Pluer Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of EngineeringElon University
Physics & Engineering Department
What skills stand out on Environmental Planner resumes?
Will Pluer Ph.D.: Sampling, modeling, and/or designing skills indicate that you know how to apply what you've learned in the classroom to real work situations. Technical writing skills are also broadly applicable.
What soft skills should all Environmental Planners possess?
Will Pluer Ph.D.: Within the job, time management is probably the most important. An employer will be impressed if you're finishing work before your deadlines. To get the job in the first place, professionalism is very important. Submit a clean and attractive resume with your application and then show up to an interview dressed for the job.
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorTarleton State University
Department of Mechanical, Environmental and Civil Engineering
What skills stand out on Environmental Planner resumes?
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.: As far as the skills are concerned, the most striking would be proficiency with programs such as AutoCAD and ArcGIS as well as with technical report-writing or preparation. There are numerous industry-standard programs that are discipline-specific, such as HEC-HMS for hydrologic modeling; familiarity with these programs can make resumes stand out. Other items on the resume, such as assuming leadership roles in student and professional societies, internships with government or private organizations, and having passed the FE exam, are also attractive to recruiters.
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Environmental ScienceKennesaw State University
Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
What soft skills should all Environmental Planners possess?
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.: When it comes to job opportunities, the ability to successfully work in groups is really important. Students should talk about group projects that they've worked on, how they contributed to the overall project, and how they managed that group dynamic. If there was some sort of conflict in the group, such as a member who wasn't pulling their weight or someone who wasn't communicating effectively, being able to describe how they dealt with that problem and overcame it would really demonstrate to a potential employer that they are ready to be an effective part of a team. Writing is also really important. Students should be ready to submit a writing sample that demonstrates their ability to write well. And being able to use proper grammar and spelling is just the beginning. Preferably they should submit something long enough to show that they can put together a cohesive narrative that makes a persuasive argument like a term paper.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Environmental Planners?
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.: I have been told recently that GIS skills are becoming more and more essential. In the past, GIS was one of those things that it used to be nice to have on a resume. A few months ago, I had a potential employer tell me that it's becoming more of a must-have skill for many jobs. Here at KSU, we are in the process of reconfiguring our curriculum to make it easier for students to earn a GIS credential through their regular course of study. We are hopeful that this will help make our graduates more employable. But ultimately, the answer to this question depends on the employment opportunity. Students should look back at their coursework, especially lab courses, and make a list of skills they have learned, analyses they have performed, or instrumentation they were trained on that would be of use to that specific employer. Going back to the syllabi from the courses you've taken can be really helpful in preparing a list like that.
Dr. Chelsea Ward
ProfessorAuburn University-Montgomery
Department of Biology and Environmental Science Advising
What will help Environmental Planners increase their earning potential?
Dr. Chelsea Ward: Science has always been a field that values post-graduate education. I don't see that changing. However, I anticipate that biologists with undergraduate degrees and broader skill sets will do better. Those with GIS or computer programming skills will be in a much better place to find positions in their field that are satisfying than those that are only trained in traditional bench skills.
Karl Offen Ph.D.
Professor and Director of Environmental StudiesOberlin College
Environmental Studies Program
What soft skills should all Environmental Planners possess?
Karl Offen Ph.D.: Online communication skills and the ability to work independently, meeting deadlines, and the ability to figure out where to go to get help. Better computer, spreadsheet, and GIS skills.
What's a day at work look like for an Environmental Planner?
Karl Offen Ph.D.: The ones I have spoken to, including my own daughter (class of '20), their days are a slog and all online. This ranges from traditionally hands-on work like AmeriCorps and City Government.
What's a good job out of college for Environmental Planners?
Carl Rosen: Environmental consulting, non-profits/NGOs, Federal and state agency jobs e.g. NRCS (mapping & conservation), SWCD & BWSR (soil conservation); MPCA, DNR, MDA (regulation); Extension (education based programming for non traditional audiences in agriculture and natural resources), farming (if they can afford it), ag industries/fertilizer companies (sales and research), graduate school (MS and Ph.D.). All of these are good jobs because they are passionate about using the skills they learned in their undergraduate degree and for the most part they can earn a living wage with benefits.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Environmental Planner job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Alan Dyer Ph.D.: For our graduates, the pandemic is affecting those entering the crop consulting market. Usually, this a very social job, and with the pandemic social distancing is having a significant but not overwhelming impact. Our Crop Science program at MSU usually is very integrated with ag industries, and these connections are taking a real blow during the pandemic. Hopefully, when things calm down, these programs will flourish once again.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Environmental Planners in the next 3-5 years?
Frederik Laleicke Ph.D.: Natural and sustainable materials play an essential role in creating modern, human-centered environments and will be of increasing importance in the future. Over the past decades, industrial processes have been improved to produce high performing and reliable products from natural resources. The challenges lie in preserving the natural variability that makes biomaterials, such as wood, appealing, and staying within standards, safety margins, and product specifications. The advanced technology employed will require fewer, but more knowledgeable, workers and managers that understand the capabilities and limitations of the produced technical processes and products.
An excellent example of where these challenges have been solved using modern technologies is mass timber. Large wooden panels are premanufactured in semi-automated processes, and CNC technology cuts each of them to an exact fit. Relatively new in the U.S., mass timber engineering, manufacturing, and use are currently being fine-tuned to meet the requirements of growing markets. In future years, the design-for-disassembly will move into focus when end-of-life considerations for wood-based construction draw more attention.
These developments offer numerous opportunities for employees with diverse skillsets, such as engineers, technologists, analysts, and marketing/business experts. However, they all have in common an in-depth understanding of sustainability concepts and a sense of environmental responsibility. Whatever the specialty of our graduates, they will match one of many different roles in the economy of sustainable materials.
Jack Puleo Ph.D.
Professor and ChairUniversity of Delaware
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
What are the best companies to work for an Environmental Planner?
Jack Puleo Ph.D.: Best can be arbitrary. Overall, the job market seems strong with positions in oil companies, government, and the engineering industry.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Environmental Planners in the next 5 years?
Jack Puleo Ph.D.: I believe there will be an increase.
Frank Gallagher Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Professional Practice Director, Environmental Planning ProgramRutgers, The State University
Department of Landscape Architecture
How do you envision technology impacting Environmental Planners in the next 5 years?
Frank Gallagher Ph.D.: The ability to integrate information from various disciplines at greater resolutions will lead to more effective planning and innovative design.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Environmental Planners?
Frank Gallagher Ph.D.: Like most things, there will be positive and negative effects. On the negative side, the pandemic is deepening the inequity in wealth distribution, exasperating both the financial divide and adding to social equity issues. On the positive side, it appears that working remotely will be accepted more, reducing the amount of daily travel, and hence fuel used, decreasing green-house gas loading rates.
What Environmental Planner skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Neal O'Reilly Ph.D.: Within the federal government agencies, like the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Forestry Service, National Parks, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey, and many state agencies such as the state's Departments of Natural Resources, there are many people of retirement age that will be leaving in the next few years. These retirements will open a lot of opportunities for qualified graduates. I believe that jobs will be available in all regions of the country. The key will be for graduates to build their resume, through internships and volunteer opportunities, to show they have the skills for these positions.
Charles Ichoku Ph.D.
Professor of Earth and Environmental SciencesHoward University
Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
How do you envision technology impacting Environmental Planners in the next 5 years?
Charles Ichoku Ph.D.: Technology is impacting the field of environmental and atmospheric sciences in positive ways. For instance, it is because of technology that many of us are able to work remotely under these challenging times of COVID-19 restrictions. Also, we are able to conduct research in previously inaccessible areas using remotely piloted vehicles in the air, ground, and ocean. This capability has enabled us to make many discoveries in this field over the last decade or so.
The positive impact of technology in our field is expected to grow in the next five years and beyond. For instance, having accumulated tremendous amounts of earth observation datasets over the last couple of decades, particularly from satellite remote sensing, current advancements in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) are likely to help in retrieving knowledge from these large datasets faster, thereby enabling us to make even more advances in this field in the coming years.