Ecologists

Salaries for ecologists vary depending on such factors as their level of education, experience, area of specialization, and the organization for which they work. The median annual income of environmental scientists and specialists was $78,980 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The lowest 10 percent earned $48,580, and the top 10 percent earned $133,660 or more. Fifty percent of environmental scientists and specialists earned between $60,920 and $103,420.

Environmental scientists and specialists who were employed by local government agencies earned mean annual salaries of $80,450 in May 2023, according to the DOL, while those who worked for state agencies earned $75,990.

Benefits for ecologists depend on the employer; however, they usually include such items as health insurance, retirement or 401(k) plans, and paid vacation days.