Ecologists
Overview
Introduction
Ecology is the study of the interconnections between organisms (plants, animals, fungus, bacterium) and the physical environment. It links biology, which includes both zoology (the study of animals) and botany (the study of plants), with physical sciences such as geology and paleontology. Ecologist is a broad name for any of a number of different biological or physical scientists concerned with the study of plants or animals within their environment.There are approximately 84,600 environmental scientists and specialists (including e...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
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 ...
Work Environment
Ecologists can work in a variety of places, from wilderness areas to forests to mountain streams. Ecologists also might work in sewage treatment plants, spend their days in front of computers or in research laboratories, or find themselves testifying in court. A certain amount of idealism probably is useful, though not required. It takes more than just loving nature to be in this field; a perso...
Outlook
Employment for environmental scientists is expected to grow faster than the average for all careers from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. It reports that "heightened public interest in hazards facing the environment is projected to create demand for environmental scientists and specialists. These workers will continue to be needed to analyze environmental problems and de...
