Grows with AI

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

AI Resistance Index 34 of 99

Changing faster than most: more resilient than 34% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it very high), and US jobs are projected to change by +6.1% by 2035, faster than average. The work leans on creative vision.

AI can help with many of the tasks, and demand is still growing. Being fluent with AI is the edge here.

Median pay (2025): $82,220
Job growth to 2035: +6.1%
Openings a year: 7,300
People doing it (2025): 93,400
Usual route in: Bachelor's degree

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Where people already use AI for this work

Present research or technical information
Communicate environmental or sustainability information
Identify business or organizational opportunities

From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).

Work AI rarely helps with

Investigate the environmental impact of industrial or development activities
Develop plans for managing or preserving natural resources
Advise others on environmental sustainability or green practices

What the work looks like

Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.
Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.

From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.

What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects

More of these jobs, as social advocacy for environmental protection and conservation is expected to increase over the projections decade, driving demand for environmental scientists and specialists.

Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook

Anthropologists and archeologistsGrows with AI, Index 44, +6.0%
Materials scientistsGrows with AI, Index 35, +8.3%
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletesGrows with AI, Index 46, +9.7%
LogisticiansGrows with AI, Index 60, +17.6%

Also known as: Environmental Programs Specialist, Environmental Protection Specialist, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Specialist, Climate Analyst, Climate and Energy Program Associate, Environmental Policy Analyst, Policy Analyst.

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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.