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Job outlook for environmental scientist leads in the United States
Are environmental scientist lead jobs in demand?
Environmental scientist lead job and salary trends over time
Environmental scientist lead jobs over time
Environmental scientist lead job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 338 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 372 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 371 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 354 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 360 | 0.00% |
Average environmental scientist lead salary over time
Environmental scientist lead salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $98,128 | $47.18 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $95,622 | $45.97 | +0.3% |
| 2023 | $95,314 | $45.82 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $92,995 | $44.71 | +0.7% |
| 2021 | $92,339 | $44.39 | +2.1% |
Environmental scientist lead jobs by state
Most common states for environmental scientist leads
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 739,795 | 205 | 28% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 229 | 26% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 259 | 25% |
| 4 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 362 | 21% |
| 5 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 408 | 20% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 388 | 20% |
| 7 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 525 | 18% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 137 | 18% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 931 | 15% |
| 10 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,153 | 14% |
| 11 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 432 | 14% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 137 | 14% |
| 13 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 404 | 13% |
| 14 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 175 | 13% |
| 15 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 170 | 13% |
| 16 | Vermont | 623,657 | 82 | 13% |
| 17 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,104 | 12% |
| 18 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 422 | 11% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 385 | 11% |
| 20 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 73 | 11% |
Most common cities for environmental scientist leads
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norwalk | 1 | 1% | $108,916 |
| 2 | Jacksonville | 1 | 0% | $66,138 |
Environmental Scientist Lead job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of environmental scientist lead experts
Kent State University
Drake University
Gonzaga University
Quinnipiac University
Gannon University
Kennesaw State University
Southwestern University
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Concordia University
Barnard College
Bard College
Washington State University
Baylor University
University of California, Riverside
Pace University, NYC
The University of Memphis
University of Puerto Rico-RP
Louisiana State University
George Washington University
What will help Environmental Scientist Leads increase their earning potential?
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.
Keith Summerville
Levitt Distinguished Professor of Environmental Science, Paul and Claudia Schickler Executive Director, Jay N. Darling InstituteDrake University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist Lead?
Keith Summerville: 2. #1 is how to leverage analytics and generative AI to design and implement innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
What Environmental Scientist Lead skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair
Professor/ChairGonzaga University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist Lead?
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair: Find work in another field! LOL. Seriously, the benefits of environmental work cannot be monetized.
What will help Environmental Scientist Leads increase their earning potential?
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.
Lisa Cuchara Ph.D.
Professor of Biomedical SciencesQuinnipiac University
Microbiological Sciences And Immunology
What Environmental Scientist Lead skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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
Liu Cao Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Engr.Gannon University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist Lead?
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.
What will help Environmental Scientist Leads increase their earning potential?
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.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist Lead?
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.
What will help Environmental Scientist Leads increase their earning potential?
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.
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Environmental ScienceKennesaw State University
Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
What Environmental Scientist Lead skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.: I think the best advice I can offer recent graduates is to be as flexible as possible. Being willing to relocate, for example, vastly expands the number of potential jobs they can apply to. Applying for positions that might not be exactly where they want to go, but might give them the experience or skills they need to get to their desired career after a year or two also will help open more doors. So if you can't find your ideal job right away, consider that internship or volunteer opportunity that will make you more marketable in the future.
What skills stand out on Environmental Scientist Lead resumes?
Dr. Romi Burks: Certainly, a strong scientific background and understanding of the scientific process would rank as #1 in terms of skills. An environmental scientist needs both to be able to conduct quality sound science but also recognize the strengths and weaknesses in other work.
An Environmental Scientist needs strong communication skills, both oral and written. It is often necessary to explain and/or justify the research associated with the environment and/or "translate" complex environmental phenomena, problems, and solutions into ideas that people understand. Construction of metaphors and parallel situations help.
In terms of "additional skills," a working knowledge and ability to use and incorporate GIS (in simple terms, mapping - but in more complex terms, geographical spatial analysis) set apart many in the field, and the technical nature of this skill set often garners more money in terms of career prospects.
To the rest, I would add another quality environmental scientists that readily employ includes critical thinking skills. In this case, professionals must analyze situations for any ethical concerns that could exist and also for the solution that takes into account multiple perspectives. Such work also requires a strong degree of organization.
Joseph Niederhauser Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of BiologyWest Virginia Wesleyan College
Department of Biology and Environmental Science
What skills stand out on Environmental Scientist Lead resumes?
Joseph Niederhauser Ph.D.: Data collection, management, and analysis skills stand out on an Environmental Scientist's resume. Specifically, knowing how to design experiments, collect many different kinds of data (e.g., soil or water samples, GPS points, wildlife surveys), creating or maintaining a database for samples, and analyzing changes over time or impact of those data make you very marketable. Additionally, knowledge and practice of state and federal environmental protection laws stand out.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Environmental Scientist Leads?
Joseph Niederhauser Ph.D.: Data collection, management, and analysis skills. Specifically, knowing how to design experiments, collect different kinds of data, creating or maintaining a database for samples, and analyzing changes over time or the impact of those data.
What skills will help Environmental Scientist Leads earn the most?
Joseph Niederhauser Ph.D.: Having technical skills will help you get a job, but more advanced degrees, certificates, and experience using those skills will help you earn more. Even volunteering for state or federal agencies will help you get those skills and experience. Many federal agencies, especially the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, offer directorate programs to get experience prior to finishing your degree, and when you complete your degree, the program will help to place you into a job within the agency.
Dr. Pascale Biron Ph.D.
ProfessorConcordia University
Department of Geography, Planning and Environment
What hard/technical skills are most important for Environmental Scientist Leads?
Dr. Pascale Biron Ph.D.: - Geographical Information Systems, remote sensing, and geospatial data analysis
- Statistics
- Computer programming
What skills will help Environmental Scientist Leads earn the most?
Dr. Pascale Biron Ph.D.: - Solid, interdisciplinary, environmental foundations in sustainability from a science perspective
- Tools to solve practical problems in the field of environmental science, including programming, geospatial
technologies and statistics
Logan Brenner Ph.D.
Assistant Professor in Environmental ScienceBarnard College
Environmental Science Department
What skills stand out on Environmental Scientist Lead resumes?
Logan Brenner Ph.D.: It is really impressive to see some type of research experience outlined on a resume and related output, such as a presentation or poster at a conference or some other public venue or an article. It is important that you clearly explain the research project on the resume or CV to highlight its relevance to whatever job you are applying for. Maybe the content is relevant, or instead, it is the skills that you learned. Honestly, it is becoming much more commonplace to see a research project on a resume, so I would almost say that it is a critical component. Conducting research indicates that you can work independently and/or in a team, solve problems, and think creatively and critically. Summarizing your findings in a conference presentation or a write-up shows that you can distill and communicate your most important and compelling conclusions and that you can finish a project.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Environmental Scientist Leads?
Dr. Eban Goodstein: Solid natural science background, esp ecology, and biogeochemical cycles.
Richard Zack Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Academic ProgramsWashington State University
Department of Entomology
What soft skills should all Environmental Scientist Leads possess?
Richard Zack Ph.D.: Our industry partners and our advisory groups have been telling us for a while that soft-skills are very important to them. While they are seeking students with good technical backgrounds, they can and usually do fill in the details of individual types of positions through their own training programs. However, they want employees that are interested in what their companies do and how they operate, individuals that are eager to learn and progress through a system, individuals that have experienced and have an appreciation for working in teams, individuals that are creative but understand the chain of command, and as one large regional employer put it to me, individuals that show up for work on time and don't ask, as a first question, about vacation times and day's off. They are also very interested in employees that have cultural competencies and can work with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds. In many of our fields, it is important that students look for internships with companies in which they have an interest. Many of our students our hired out of internships. So, it is very important for an individual to present themselves in the best possible manner when they are interacting with possible employers.
What will help Environmental Scientist Leads increase their earning potential?
Dr. Stacy Atchley Ph.D.: Graduate degrees (M.S. and/or PhD); geospatial numerical modeling skills and associated expertise in data analytics (geostatistics, including machine learning and related artificial intelligence).
Louis Santiago Ph.D.
Professor and Physiological EcologistUniversity of California, Riverside
Botany and Plant Sciences
What will help Environmental Scientist Leads increase their earning potential?
Louis Santiago Ph.D.: In ecology, population ecology, and epidemiology, creativity and originality of ideas will always provide a higher career path. However, flexibility is also important. All else being equal, people who are willing to work in different ways and change with the times will always end up making more money. It takes more effort, but in the long run it pays off.
Anne Toomey Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorPace University, NYC
Department of Environmental Studies and Science
What's a good job out of college for Environmental Scientist Leads?
Anne Toomey Ph.D.: This is purely a guess, but I suspect that ways that people have adapted to the pandemic this year will continue. I think there will be a lot more flexibility in terms of where people can work, and thus revised expectations in terms of amount of time in the office vs. working from home.
On the other hand, because of the social direction the environmental field is going in, I suspect there will be a lot of jobs that require a lot of time connecting with people and communicating. So while new graduates may spend less time than previous generations in the office, they may find themselves engaging with the public more.
What will help Environmental Scientist Leads increase their earning potential?
Anne Toomey Ph.D.: Broadly speaking, I think the most important skill any recent graduate can have is to be flexible and versatile, able to adapt to constantly changing conditions. The biggest learning curve for most recent graduates is to figure out a way forward when the path isn't totally clear. I see this frequently among undergrads - they tend to get stuck when they hit a barrier and often don't know how to figure out a way forward on their own. In college, there are many support systems (e.g. you can go to your professors' office hours if you have a question) - but when you have a boss, you can't ask them for help every step of the way. You need to figure things out on your own and come up with alternative ideas when the original plan doesn't work out. Graduates who can do this will be a step ahead of the game.
In the environmental field, understanding the social side of things is paramount. I think that science communication is going to be a bigger deal and that requires good writing skills, speaking skills, and how to create online content people will pay attention to. Environmentalism has also recently come under a lot of critique due to its prior lack of engagement with racism and justice, and I think that this is an area where the next generation of environmentalists will have a lot to contribute.
Daniel Larsen
Professor of Earth SciencesThe University of Memphis
Department of Earth Sciences
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Environmental Scientist Leads?
Daniel Larsen: Expectations for geology job candidates include traditional geologic training as well as environmental and hydrogeology background, and skills using GIS, spatial analysis, spreadsheet and some modeling programs, depending on disciple of hiring. State licensure and GIS and OSHA certifications are desirable.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Environmental Scientist Leads?
Elvia Melendez-Ackerman Ph.D.: An unwritten rule is that the more marketable college graduates not only finish with an appropriate selection of content courses but also with a myriad of hands-on experiences where the student has had the opportunity to develop and strengthen scientific and technical skills, but just as important are the soft skills expected in their chosen profession. Many of these hands-on experiences occur off campus and indeed these are highly encouraged by academic advisors. For most students graduating after 2020, the pandemic reduced the number of opportunities in which they engaged in these types of activities, reducing their number of hours spent in "job-like" settings. It is in these settings where students can develop and demonstrate their leadership, teamwork and, organizational skills and, their ability to get the job done.
Because these off-campus experiences are carried out under supervision, they become important sources of letters of recommendations for employment from experts that truly know how they can perform under different situations. In the short-term, COVID-19 and events with similar outcomes (i.e.. shutdown of educational facilities) could be viewed as a selective factor that would favor those students that engaged early in their undergraduate degree in complementary activities (i.e., internships, volunteer work in research projects, research for credit, etc.). Within that context, shutdowns related to the pandemic might have impacted job preparedness of students from different socio-economic backgrounds differently. For those students that needed to work to pay for college, engaging early in ancillary professional activities might not have been an option. Socio-economic disparities in terms of access to technology (good computer, high speed internet) may have also led to unequal learning experiences. I taught a course in drone technologies where we managed to purchase GIS software licenses to allow students to work on simple spatial analyses remotely, but some students just did not have the computing capacity to operate these at home and ended up having to watch others.
For employers looking to hire recent college graduates that can do reliable fieldwork and perform well under fieldwork conditions (e.g., research areas related to environmental, social, or social-environmental work), the pool of experienced students would now be reduced. At the same time, college graduates will have a tougher time accruing the much-needed experience time that will make them competitive.
What technical skills for an Environmental Scientist Lead stand out to employers?
Peter Clift: I think that having a broad-based education may be more important so that you can be more adaptable to the various different opportunities. Less specialized broad-based geological education is likely to increase your employability across a wide range of alternative careers. I still think that higher degrees such as Masters or PhD may be useful in sharing your usefulness to a potential employer with advances in environmental consulting, mining geology or in the overlap between engineering and geology. I think anyone planning a career in the geosciences probably needs to be thinking at least about taking a Masters degree.
Richard Tollo Ph.D.
Professor of GeologyGeorge Washington University
Geological Sciences Program
What technical skills for an Environmental Scientist Lead stand out to employers?
Richard Tollo Ph.D.: For geology, scientific reasoning, problem solving, and the ability to communicate are highly desired by employers.