Science
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Median pay
$82,220
Growth to 2035
+6%
faster than average
Openings a year
7,300
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to environmental scientists and specialists, including health
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health: 11% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
- Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
- Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.
- Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
- Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.
- Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.
- Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.
- Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.
Also called: Environmental Analyst · Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist) · Environmental Health Specialist · Environmental Programs Specialist · Environmental Protection Specialist · Environmental Scientist · Environmental Specialist · Hazardous Substances Scientist
Outlook and AI
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health held 93,400 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 99,200 by 2035 (+6%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Environmental scientists and specialists, including health vs. Compliance officer
- Environmental scientists and specialists, including health vs. Environmental engineer
- Environmental scientists and specialists, including health vs. Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
- Environmental scientists and specialists, including health vs. Conservation scientist
- Environmental scientists and specialists, including health vs. Environmental engineering technologists and technicians
- Environmental scientists and specialists, including health vs. Managers, all other
- Environmental scientists and specialists, including health vs. Hydrologic technician