Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Conservation Scientists
SOC: 19-1031 O*NET: 19-1031.00
Median Salary
$67,950
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.4%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$40,770
25th
$54,360
50th (Median)
$67,950
75th
$81,540
90th
$101,925
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:28,500
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.4%
Annual Openings:2,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)28,500
Current
2034 (Projected)29,500
+3.4%
+1,000
Employment Change
+3.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
Top Skills
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Science
Science
✓
Writing
Writing
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
✓
Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
English Language
✓
Biology
✓
Mathematics
✓
Geography
✓
Customer and Personal Service
✓
Chemistry
✓
Law and Government
✓
Computers and Electronics
✓
Engineering and Technology
✓
Education and Training
Education & Training
Education Required
Bachelor's degree or higher
Experience Required
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Job Training
Significant preparation with related work experience