Environmental Technician
Collect and test air, water and soil samples to monitor pollution and protect health.
- $55,090
- About 2 years
Education & Childcare career
Environmental Science Professor
Also called: Environmental Studies Professor · Sustainability Professor · Environmental Science Faculty · Ecology Professor
What environmental science professors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an environmental science professor do?
Environmental science teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in environmental science, ecology and sustainability at colleges and universities. The median pay is $94,980 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +2.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$94,980Annual salary · May 2025
- Job growth+2.7%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year600Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationDoctoral or professional degreeBLS classification
- Time to train5–7 years after a bachelor’sTypical program length
- U.S. jobs8,400Employment, 2025
What environmental science professors do
Environmental science professors teach the science behind pollution, climate, ecosystems and sustainability. They teach courses blending biology, chemistry, geology and policy, lead field sampling, research water quality, climate impacts or restoration, and partner with communities and agencies.
Most hold a Ph.D.; community colleges may hire instructors with a master’s degree.
Typical duties
- Teach environmental science courses
- Lead field sampling labs
- Conduct research
- Partner with communities and agencies
- Mentor students
- Write grants
- Publish research
Work environment and schedule
Faculty work in classrooms, labs and field sites.
Schedule: Teaching, research and service, with field days in good weather.
A day in the life
- Teach intro environmental science.
- Lead a stream sampling lab.
- Analyze water quality data.
- Meet a city sustainability office.
See a full day in the life of an environmental science professor →
Environmental Science Professor salary
Half of environmental science professors earned more than $94,980 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $57,780 for the lowest 10% to $164,190 for the top 10%.
Full environmental science professor pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an environmental science professor
- Earn a science bachelor’s
- Gain field experience
- Complete a Ph.D.
- Build partnerships
- Get hired
A Ph.D. in environmental science, ecology or a related field is typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an environmental science professor →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Environmental science
- Field sampling
- Data analysis
- GIS
- Environmental policy
People skills
- Communication
- Mentoring
- Collaboration
- Curiosity
All environmental science professor skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Meaningful topics
- Field and lab variety
- Community partnerships
- Passionate students
Cons
- Grant dependence
- Competitive positions
- Field logistics
- Emotionally heavy topics
Certifications and licenses
- Ph.D. in environmental science: Doctoral degree.
- Field safety training: Required.
- GIS certificate: Mapping skills.
- Research grants: EPA, NSF.
Career path
- Graduate Researcher: Train.
- Assistant Professor: Tenure track.
- Associate Professor: Tenure.
- Professor or Director: Lead programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Environmental Science Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as lead a stream sampling lab and teach a controversial environmental topic, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Environmental Health Specialist
Inspect restaurants, pools, water and housing to protect public health.
- $82,220
- 4 years
Earth Sciences Professor
Teach geology, oceans, weather and space science at the college level.
- $103,170
- 5–7 years after a bachelor’s
Biology Professor
Teach life sciences and lead biology research at the college level.
- $84,620
- 6–9 years after a bachelor’s
Compare: Environmental Science Professor vs. Environmental Technician · Environmental Science Professor vs. Health Inspector · Environmental Science Professor vs. Earth Sciences Professor · Environmental Science Professor vs. Biology Professor
Environmental Science Professor FAQ
Do environmental science professors need a Ph.D.?
Usually at universities.
Do they do fieldwork?
Often, for teaching and research.
Is the field interdisciplinary?
Yes, it blends science and policy.
How much does an environmental science professor make?
The median annual wage for environmental science professors was $94,980 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $57,780 and the highest 10% earned more than $164,190.
How long does it take to become an environmental science professor?
Most people need about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in environmental science, ecology or a related field is typical.
Do you need a degree to be an environmental science professor?
Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a Ph.D., while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree.
More environmental science professor questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1053 (Environmental science teachers, postsecondary).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Environmental science teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.