Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists conduct research and investigations to identify, assess, and remediate environmental hazards and pollution. They collect field samples, analyze data, prepare environmental impact reports, and ensure compliance with EPA and state regulations. The BLS reports a median salary of $76,480 with 6% projected growth as climate change, sustainability mandates, and environmental regulations expand.
A Day in the Life
A typical day starts by driving to a field site to collect water and soil samples from a contaminated area. The scientist labels specimens and records GPS coordinates and site conditions. Back in the lab, they run chemical analyses and compare results to regulatory thresholds. After lunch, they write a section of an environmental impact assessment and join a conference call with state regulators about a remediation timeline. The day ends with updating the project database.
Key Stats
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Salary Range
Entry: $50,000
Median: $76,480
Senior: $108,000
Job Growth