Environmental health and safety specialists: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Environmental health and safety specialists study how environmental factors affect human health. They investigate potential environmental health risks. For example, they may investigate and address issues arising from soil and water contamination caused by nuclear weapons manufacturing. They also educate the public about health risks that may be present in the environment.
- Job Outlook
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The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 11% (Faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Advancement
- As environmental scientists and specialists gain experience, they earn more responsibilities and autonomy, and may supervise the work of technicians or other scientists. Eventually, they may be promoted to project leader, program manager, or some other management or research position.
- Licenses/Certifications
- Environmental scientists and specialists can become Certified Hazardous Materials Managers through the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management. This certification, which must be renewed every 5 years, shows that an environmental scientist or specialist is staying current with developments relevant to the occupations work. In addition, the Ecological Society of America offers several levels of certification for environmental scientists who wish to demonstrate their proficiency in ecology.
- Median pay: How much do Environmental Scientists and Specialists make?
- $68,910 Annual Salary
- $33.13 per hour
Careers for Environmental Scientists and Specialists
- Climate change analysts
- Ecological modelers
- Environmental analysts
- Environmental chemists
- Environmental restoration planners
- Environmental scientists
- Hazardous substances scientists
- Health environmentalists
- Industrial ecologists
- Water pollution scientists
- Water quality analysts