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Environmental scientist/geologist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected environmental scientist/geologist job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 3,800 new jobs for environmental scientist/geologists are projected over the next decade.
Environmental scientist/geologist salaries have increased 6% for environmental scientist/geologists in the last 5 years.
There are over 23,407 environmental scientist/geologists currently employed in the United States.
There are 55,899 active environmental scientist/geologist job openings in the US.
The average environmental scientist/geologist salary is $63,344.
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 23,407 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 25,758 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 25,660 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 24,500 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 24,939 | 0.01% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $63,344 | $30.45 | +2.6% |
| 2025 | $61,727 | $29.68 | +0.3% |
| 2024 | $61,528 | $29.58 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $60,031 | $28.86 | +0.7% |
| 2022 | $59,607 | $28.66 | +2.1% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 144 | 19% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,265 | 15% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 930 | 15% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 113 | 15% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 135 | 14% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 120 | 14% |
| 7 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 174 | 13% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 81 | 13% |
| 9 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,092 | 12% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 163 | 12% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 125 | 12% |
| 12 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 68 | 12% |
| 13 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 385 | 11% |
| 14 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 116 | 11% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 987 | 10% |
| 16 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 205 | 10% |
| 17 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 69 | 10% |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,156 | 9% |
| 19 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 495 | 9% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 150 | 9% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southfield | 2 | 3% | $63,191 |
| 2 | Chelmsford | 1 | 3% | $84,409 |
| 3 | Alpharetta | 1 | 2% | $59,070 |
| 4 | Bethlehem | 1 | 1% | $57,067 |
| 5 | Kalamazoo | 1 | 1% | $62,375 |
| 6 | Tallahassee | 1 | 1% | $43,803 |
| 7 | Walnut Creek | 1 | 1% | $81,338 |
| 8 | Anchorage | 1 | 0% | $57,669 |
| 9 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $66,554 |
| 10 | Jacksonville | 1 | 0% | $44,073 |
| 11 | Oakland | 1 | 0% | $81,348 |
Colorado School of Mines
Lafayette College
Calvin University
The University of Texas at El Paso
San Jose State University
East Carolina University
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Kent State University
Ohio State University
Western Oregon University
Drake University
Gonzaga University
University of Nebraska - Omaha
University of Indianapolis
Quinnipiac University
University of North Dakota
Gannon University
Colorado School of Mines
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Thomas Monecke: Want to do a professional master or master of science. It probably makes sense to gain 1-2 years work experience (or extended internships) after the bachelor, but want to come back for these degrees. They basically are the entry level degrees to become a more senior person in most companies. Its not common for senior people in smaller companies to have a PhD, but not uncommon in the big mining companies. I would, however, not recommend to go straight to a PhD without any work experience as there are fewer jobs. MS (with some internships) vs. PhD (with no real work experience) is not a big difference in salary, but 4+ years difference in education plus potentially debt from long grad school attendance. Makes more sense to do a MS, work and come back for a PhD, commonly with a company supporting the PhD research.
John Sarao Jr.: Networking at conferences or local and state-level geology working groups is always a good way to make yourself known to potential companies. Obtaining skills and certifications, like the Professional Geologist (PG) certificate can always help boost your potential. I think the final way is projecting what the needs are going to be when you're ready to enter the workforce. Currently in geology the industry side of things is heavily leaning toward carbon capture and sequestration. If you can set yourself up to enter that field (which will most likely require advanced degrees), you'll be set for a long, lucrative career. The climate crisis is at the forefront of geology at the moment.
John Sarao Jr.: I would say go into your new career with an open mind, you've learned the basics in undergrad but there's always more to learn. Find someone either in your company or in your field that has the career you aspire to or expertise you think can help you advance and ask if they're open and available to mentor you in either an official capacity or just weekly/monthly coffee chats. So many people would love to tell you about their experiences. You're going to make mistakes, but remember that someone else has made that same mistake before you and has lived through it. Also remember that you have a life outside of work. Some of these field-intensive geology careers can be insanely time-consuming. If you set the precedent that you are available 24 hours a day it's very hard to walk that back in the future. Work-life balance is essential.
Calvin University
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Melinda Higley PhD: A master’s degree is a common expectation in geoscience careers. If you choose to enter the field with a bachelors, the sooner you start in a field, the better. More years of experience will help you advance to higher levels of responsibility and pay. Students and early career professionals should participate in research, attend conferences, field trips, and get internships to gain a sense for a range of opportunities. This will help you to focus on applying for jobs in a sector where you see yourself thriving. However, don’t be afraid to test out different fields as you learn and grow.
Melinda Higley PhD: A day in the life of a geologist will vary depending on the occupation, but it is common to locate and interpret maps, conduct literature reviews, perform data collection, data entry, data analysis, and write grants and reports. In an entry level position, it is common to spend 20 – 60 % of your time in the field. Geologists have transferable skills that can be the gateway to a variety of occupations. Daily, they are doing problem-solving, analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and writing usually in a setting that requires leadership, teamwork, listening, creativity, relationship building, and attention to detail.
Melinda Higley PhD: Geoscientists are employed across the workforce including research, industry, government, academia, and nonprofit sectors. A geoscientist must master the technical aspects of the field but simultaneously develop interests and skills. Think about your technical knowledge, your interests, and skills and how they might be integrated to form a strong portfolio. Recognize that your skills are transferable across different fields.
Dr. Timothy Masterlark JSF: Geologists collect laboratory, field, or satellite data and use math, physics, and chemistry to interpret these data. Numerical modeling and computational methods are front-and-center to these investigations and provide the necessary quantitative understanding of Geological systems and the associated uncertainties.
Jason Ricketts: For any student, I think that having a polished resume when they graduate is key. This takes a lot of work, and includes making the extra effort to volunteer, or participate in research, or attend conferences. Having extra achievements or experience in your resume might give you leverage to request a slightly higher staring salary. Once you secure a job in your field, show initiative by making an effort to work in interdisciplinary teams, learning new skillsets, and continue to practice oral and written communication skills. These could lead to an increase in salary.
Jason Ricketts: Be open to learning new skills and techniques even after you graduate. Current practices and skillsets are changing fast, and staying up to date is sometimes challenging. But if you can continue to grow your skillset and expertise, then you will be at the forefront and be able to address Geology problems that are relevant to society.
Jason Ricketts: Most Geology programs excel at teaching scientific knowledge, and students graduate with a core knowledge of fundamental Earth processes. One thing that also needs to be emphasized is the importance of teamwork, working in interdisciplinary teams, and communication skills (both written and oral). Developing these skills will give you an edge after you graduate.
Joseph Petsche: The first thing I would recommend is to get a Master's Degree if you don't have one already. It opens *so many* more career opportunities compared with those available to graduates who enter the job market after earning just a Bachelor's Degree. Furthemore, by completing a master's thesis, you gain skills and experience such as writing grant proposals, articles and abstracts, conducting fieldwork, and learning current and upcoming technology used in the field and the lab. It's also a good way to make connections and learn more about the variety of job options out there.
Take a little bit of time to learn about and explore career options. Think about what you want your typical day to be like; would you prefer to work with lab equipment and computers, or out in the field, or both? You will have lots of options to choose from, including working for private firms (such as those that hire scientists to assess the strength of the soil beneath where a new structure is being built, or determine the best way to prevent mudslides from destroying homes and infrastructure, or figuring out how to remediate an environmental hazard), the public sector (such as the United States Geological Survey (USGS) or any of the various State Geological Surveys), education (especially at the college level), public outreach, and helping to guide government policy.
Joseph Petsche: You will likely make more money with a Master's Degree than a Bachelor's, but it depends on the field. Be aware of what other scientists are making at their jobs, and which fields pay more than others if that's important to you. Jobs in mineral exploration, mining, and fossil fuels tend to pay more than jobs in education and consulting firms. In many jobs, you have to become certified and licensed at some point so you can continue to climb the ladder to higher positions and salaries. Make sure you have a variety of skills and are willing to put up with a lousy job in the short term so that you can gain opportunities for long-term success.
Joseph Petsche: There is going to be an increasing demand for skills relating to space exploration and mining. A background in math, remote sensing, engineering, chemistry and planetary geology will be needed more and more in the field of space exploration, and it's likely that humans will start mining asteroids and the Moon for Rare-Earth Elements in the near future. These materials are in high demand because they are commonly used in electric vehicles, cell phones, batteries, and many other important technologies.
East Carolina University
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Adriana Heimann-Rios PhD: I think that core geology skills will continue to be critical and needed, including geologic mapping, mineral and rock identification, geochemistry, structural geology, economic geology, and hydrogeology. As the need for metals, particularly critical minerals for the energy transition, continues to exponentially grow with the need for energy storage devices, turbines, and highly technological applications, the need for well-trained geologists will continue to grow. In addition to also having a good chemistry and math background, knowledge in data analysis or data science, programming or software use, GIS, and the growing applications in the field of machine learning will be very useful. In addition, working in multi-disciplinary teams and knowing how to work jointly with communities facing environmental challenges will be critical. Studies to understand and find solutions for water quality will continue to be a pressing need.
Adriana Heimann-Rios PhD: To a Geology graduate starting their career I would strongly recommend continuing their education and obtaining a Master’s degree in their favorite area of specialization or doing a post-baccalaureate or bridge program to figure out what they want to do and what options exist. Both will open many windows of opportunities in different fields. Alternatively, I recommend finding a job or an internship, as there are many starting jobs in environmental and geotechnical aspects working for engineering geology/geological engineering/environmental geoscience companies, museums, and geological surveys.
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Dr. David Barbeau Jr.: I love geology because it is a dynamic and diverse field that is the foundation upon which all realms of society are built. From physical geography to food, from human history to economies, geology plays an influential role in everything. Geology requires and develops critical thinking, and involves solving puzzles, and generating new knowledge, hence is a very enjoyable pursuit.
Dr. David Barbeau Jr.: Nearly all solutions to the impending climate and energy crises require understanding and innovation in the realms of geosciences. For example, an understanding of geology and geologic processes are essential to the locating and the safe, efficient extraction of critical minerals for the transition to renewable energy, as well as the capture, removal and storage of greenhouse gases. Moreover, the growth of human populations will require increasing amounts of natural resources, and the production of those natural resources will impact the environment in greater and greater ways -- a sound understanding of geology is essential to minimizing these impacts. Because of these very important and rapidly growing needs, a career in the geosciences could be beneficial, both in terms of demand, and as a meaningful career with real societal impacts.
Dr. Christopher Post PhD: Start local and get an internship while an undergraduate. Any position with the federal lands agencies (parks, forests, BLM, etc.) are tough to get and you have to work your way in to that federal system. Start local with regional/county/city parks and forests and work up to the federal level. Also keep that balance between the science (the biology and earth science) and the more social science/humanities (ethics, economics, communications) material you’ve learned as undergraduate. These jobs are all about communicating complex scientific/environmental issues with the general public so that context is very important. You have to be nimble and know both areas (the science and the social science) and their overlap.
Dr. Christopher Post PhD: Geographic Information Science—the ability to take field data and make it visual with maps so that you and others can witness and analyze spatial relations is the most important skill set in environmental careers right now and will continue as such. Everything in nature moves—albeit sometimes slowly—and understanding those interactions is key to unfolding humanity’s impacts on the environment, and vice versa.
Dr. Christopher Post PhD: Having field and lab experience as an undergraduate—showing you can put theory to practice via internships or other undergraduate research opportunities should best position a student for maximizing that starting salary.
Loren Babcock PhD: It depends on the type of geologic job. There is quite of variety of occupations that involve geology, not all of which have “geology” in the title. Some who are employed in private industry mine for rock or minerals, some drill for fluid resources; others are employed in searching for new Earth resources and developing plans for mining or drilling for them. Some geologists work with water resources: sampling, testing, or exploiting. Some geologists in government or service professions compile information about geologic resources or conduct research. Some geologists track earthquakes, track volcanoes, study rocks brought from the Moon, or ones that fell to Earth as meteorites. Some geologists study rock layers to refine the chronology of Earth history. Others study climate change and its effects on Earth’s landforms and life forms. There are many, many options open to geologists.
Loren Babcock PhD: Geologic work forms much of the foundation for the global economy. Almost everything we use, and some of what we eat, has come from the Earth. If it was not grown, it had to be mined. Geologists are responsible for producing most of the basic resources that we use every day. Some of these resources are scarce, and it requires the work of geologists to explore for new sources, and to responsibly exploit them. Geologists also are needed to ensure that our environment remains safe for habitation, and where resources have been removed, to ensure that the land will be reclaimed. In general, professional jobs in geology are well compensated.
Loren Babcock PhD: Perhaps the most interesting thing about being a geologist is that your work ties directly into the lives of all people. Every day we interact with our natural world, and we use objects derived or manufactured from Earth materials. Geology is an incredibly interdisciplinary science- it overlaps with all the other natural sciences, with math, and with computing. For many, that is part of the reason they like geology, because there is so much to discover; but for others, that interdisciplinary nature might present challenges, since there is so much to know.
Dr. Jeffrey Templeton Ph.D.: As the global economy continues to shift to one requiring workers to increasingly develop proficiencies in computer-based technology and problem-solving skills, students should strive to gain Geographic Information Science experience through their undergraduate coursework.
Dr. Jeffrey Templeton Ph.D.: Students and recent graduates should begin the process of professional licensure as Geologists-in-Training by sitting for nationally recognized ASBOG Fundamental Geology exam, under the auspices of the National Association of State Boards of Geology. Successful exam completion and work experience allows recent graduates to become professionally licensed geologists in over 30 states across the U.S.
Dr. Jeffrey Templeton Ph.D.: Essential geoscience workforce skills include scientific observation, data analysis, visualization, communication, teamwork, and project management. For geoscientists, depending on the specific field, these may include skills such as field observation, data recording, field surveying, geospatial technology application, data entry and tabulation, graphing and mapping, and report preparation.
J. Anthony Sauder PE, PG (he/him): New graduates without field experience in geology should welcome the opportunity to get as varied an experience as possible. Ultimately, you will be able to manage projects with a team of scientists, and the field experience will go a long way towards guiding those projects and team members efficiently and effectively. If the graduate doesn't have a master's degree, they should probably pursue a masters in those early years. Between the experience and additional education, they can take the exam for licensure as a professional geologist, which is an important credential in the states that require or recognize licensure
J. Anthony Sauder PE, PG (he/him): Take what you have learned and apply it at every opportunity. Once you have demonstrated your competence and expertise, you will be sought out to assist with complex problems and projects. You should always be learning on the job and taking webinars and courses when you can. A master's degree and professional license will both significantly improve your salary potential.
J. Anthony Sauder PE, PG (he/him): Geologists are uniquely situated to understand and address challenges due to climate change. Geologists, engineers and policy makers need to work as a team to adapt the lived environment and build community resilience to flooding, water scarcity, land subsidence, sea level rise and geologic hazards. Geologists are also trained in GIS and interpreting remote sensing to evaluate changes in land use, watershed restoration and even reviewing historic environmental justice concerns. With data analysis and these tools, they can assist with developing sustainable solutions to remediate previous harms to the environment and quality of life.
Drake University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
Keith Summerville: 2. #1 is how to leverage analytics and generative AI to design and implement innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Keith Summerville: 1. To anyone getting a start in this field- build your professional network as early as possible- attend volunteer work days, try going to low cost local conferences or meetings (local Audubon Societies, Iowa Prairie Network, Society for Ecological Restoration Midwest Chapter, Ducks Unlimited). The more people in the field you know, the more opportunities you will be exposed to.
Keith Summerville: 3. Get as many internships as one can get during time at Drake and develop some fairly deep taxa or field of specialty expertise so that you can hit the ground running in a career.
Gonzaga University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair: Find work in another field! LOL. Seriously, the benefits of environmental work cannot be monetized.
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair: Do field work as much as possible while you're young! Don't shun seasonal work or internships. There are a plethora of federal jobs right now, so it's a good time to get in with a federal agency.
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair: We find that graphical information systems (GIS) skills are in high demand. Soft skills such as ability to work as a team, develop work plans, collaborate and communicate with diverse stakeholders, communicate technical and scientific information, are, and will be very important in the near and long term future.
David Becker P.G.: Advancement potential, obviously related to salary, can depend on your strengths. Advancement can come from the effective application of technical skills, so having and constantly developing the right geologic and technology knowledge base the employer needs and the ability to apply this cost-effectively (on time and in budget) pays dividends. Additionally, the abilities to communicate, organize, strategize, and coordinate are strengths that can lead to better-paying management positions, so taking advantage of opportunities to demonstrate these talents will also help you stand out when the chances come for promotion.
Leah Courtland: Earning an MS degree can drastically increase salary potential. Changing companies can also often result in a pay increase, so don't be afraid to look around even if you've been with the same company for a number of years.
Quinnipiac University
Microbiological Sciences And Immunology
Lisa Cuchara Ph.D.: The first and foremost would be Critical Thinking. We live in a world where facts can be easily acquired, sometimes even by asking Siri/Alexa/ChatGPT/Google/etc. But critical thinking is timeless and priceless. I can ask anyone on the street what xyz is and they can look it up, but can they provide advice or interpret.
Also being a good steward towards science and being willing and able to communicate not just with peers as we are trained, but also with the public, the politicians, the board members. John Holdren*, stated that Scientists should be tithing at least 10 percent of their time to public service ... including activism. In the ever growing science denialism that is happening in our country being able to communicate science with the public is important. As Peter Hotaz states, "Anti-science propaganda is "killing Americans in unprecedented numbers,""
*Holdren is an American scientist who served as the senior advisor to President Barack Obama on science and technology issues through his roles as assistant to the president for science and technology, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and a Research Professor in Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government
University of North Dakota
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Jaakko Putkonen Ph.D: It is good to start you career with a BS degree and gain hands on experience. However, those with Master's degree tend to earn the most.
Gannon University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
Liu Cao Ph.D.: Obtaining licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) can significantly enhance your career prospects and credibility. The requirements typically include passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining relevant work experience, and then passing the PE exam.
Internships, co-op programs, and volunteer work in your field can provide you with valuable experience and skills that are attractive to employers. Practical experience can also lead to higher starting salaries and better job opportunities.
The field of environmental science is rapidly evolving, influenced by global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. Keeping abreast of industry trends and technological advancements can make you more competitive in the job market. Employers value professionals who are proactive about their continuing education and professional development.
Liu Cao Ph.D.: For graduates in environmental science embarking on their careers, it's essential to embrace a multidisciplinary approach and remain adaptable to the evolving landscape of environmental challenges. Prioritize gaining practical experience through internships or volunteer work to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, enhancing your employability. Networking is also key; engage with professionals in your field through industry conferences, workshops, and professional associations to expand your opportunities and gain insights into emerging trends. Continuously refine your skills, particularly in data analysis, GIS, and sustainability practices, and consider further education or certifications to specialize in high-demand areas. Finally, stay informed about global environmental issues and technological advancements, as this will enable you to contribute innovatively to your field.
Liu Cao Ph.D.: In the evolving landscape of environmental science, key skills poised to gain prominence over the next 3-5 years, in my opinion, include data analysis and environmental modeling, essential for interpreting complex datasets and predicting trends. Proficiency in GIS and remote sensing will become increasingly vital for monitoring environmental changes and managing resources efficiently. Additionally, a deep understanding of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies will be crucial as professionals seek to address global warming's pressing challenges. These skills, combined with interdisciplinary collaboration and effective communication, will equip environmental scientists to tackle the multifaceted issues facing our planet.
Aaron Haines Ph.D., Certified Wildlife Biologist ®: Having more technical skill sets can help you get entry level positions that can lead to higher pay positions. These include the ability to extract DNA from biological samples and understand the process of DNA sequencing, be familiar with geographical information systems (GIS) software such as ArcPro, ArcGIS, QGIS, be familiar with programming language such as Phyton and R statical programming, and government policies that impact your field of study.
Be a member of a professional organization and attend their conferences. This will allow you the opportunity to learn from others, network, and meet potential future employers.
Aaron Haines Ph.D., Certified Wildlife Biologist ®: The current most prevalent skill sets and qualifications for students interested in the ecology and environmental fields include good communication through speaking and writing. It is important to be able to communicate as an effective team member, communicate with private landowners, volunteers, and to the public for education purposes. Writing skills will be important for correctly recording data, completing certifications, helping to write grants (and other fundraising efforts) and completing reports.
Be in good physical condition to complete fieldwork and gather data. Sometimes you will be deep in the field and off-trail. The better shape you are in, the better your ability to deal with hot, cold, or humid weather conditions and bothersome insects. Physical exhaustion leads to increased errors in the field.
When in the field, certain professions prefer combinations of the following skills: Use of GPS units, ability to drive 4-wheel drive vehicles and/or ATVs, boating experience, chainsaw, herbicide and pesticide application, identification of flora and fauna, ability access soil and water quality, and prescribed fire experience.
Have standard IT skills to gather data via phone or tablet and be familiar with standard programs such as WORD, EXCEL, and ACCESS.
Future skills will include the ability to gather data remotely from the field (e.g., Lidar spatial data, acoustic recordings, remote cameras, drone data, eDNA) and onto the Could. It will also be beneficial to speak more than one language and be able to develop a strong web presence for your project and organization.
Aaron Haines Ph.D., Certified Wildlife Biologist ®: Learn to be a team player and be reliable enough to complete tasks by yourself. Make sure your online presence is one of a professional in your field. Potential employers will search you out online. Have these searches lead to the professional you. The ecology and environmental biology fields are competitive. As a growing professional in these fields, you will begin with lower salaries compared to biology majors in other fields such as the medical, pharmaceutical, and research lab professions. Most government organizations that deal with ecology-based issues, such as natural resources or environmental monitoring, have lower budgets compared to other government departments. Also, non-government organizations that work in these fields are mainly non-profit. The best way to get into these competitive fields is via internships and temporary positions. Experience is key. Temporary positions are low pay, but they provide the building blocks of experience to get you more permanent and better pay positions or entry into graduate school with an assistantship. Graduate assistantships provide opportunities for graduate students to get paid, have benefits, and have tuition covered. That is a good deal. Look for jobs in places you would never think to look. Examples of unique employers in these fields include private consulting organizations, research labs doing environmental work, and Department of Defense.