Life, Physical & Social Science
Industrial Ecologists
Also called: Ecologist, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Protection Agency Counselor, Research Scientist
US median pay
$82,220
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+6.1%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
7,300
93,400 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 5/5 · Extensive preparation
What this job is
Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
What they do day to day
- Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.
- Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.
- Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences.
- Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.
- Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste-management practices.
- Review research literature to maintain knowledge on topics related to industrial ecology, such as physical science, technology, economy, and public policy.
- Redesign linear, or open-loop, systems into cyclical, or closed-loop, systems so that waste products become inputs for new processes, modeling natural ecosystems.
- Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
- Examine local, regional, or global use and flow of materials or energy in industrial production processes.
- Monitor the environmental impact of development activities, pollution, or land degradation.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Systems Analysis3.8/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.8/5
- Systems Evaluation3.4/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Persuasion3.0/5
- Management of Personnel Resources3.0/5
Knowledge
- Mathematics4.3/5
- Engineering and Technology4.0/5
- Chemistry3.5/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
- Physics3.3/5
- English Language3.2/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 5 of 5 — Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD) and extensive experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Master's degree65%
- Bachelor's degree22%
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.