Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
SOC: 13-1041 O*NET: 13-1041.01
Median Salary
$78,420
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
33.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.
What does a Environmental Compliance Inspectors do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$46,230
10th percentile
Early Career
$59,130
25th percentile
Median
$78,420
50th percentile
Experienced
$104,800
75th percentile
Top Earners
$130,030
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$46,230
25th
$59,130
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$78,420
Mean: $84,980
75th
$104,800
90th
$130,030
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $83,800 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $59,130 and $104,800
- •Salary spread is 58.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 397,770 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:418,000
Top Industries
Finance and Insurance11.7%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services9.6%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services9.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3%
Annual Openings:33,300
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)418,000
Current
2034 (Projected)430,300
+3%
+12,300
Employment Change
+3%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Environmental Compliance Inspectors professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
47,420 jobs$92,3501.02x
Texas
39,870 jobs$72,0501.12x
Florida
31,610 jobs$70,4601.25x
New York
23,690 jobs$86,8800.96x
Pennsylvania
15,320 jobs$73,8400.99x
Virginia
15,120 jobs$80,9901.44x
Georgia
13,730 jobs$63,9901.10x
New Jersey
12,000 jobs$93,5201.09x
Arizona
11,590 jobs$73,0701.41x
Massachusetts
11,460 jobs$92,8901.22x
Ohio
11,320 jobs$75,0300.79x
Washington
10,820 jobs$86,2001.19x
Illinois
10,190 jobs$79,3500.65x
Michigan
9,660 jobs$75,3000.85x
North Carolina
9,080 jobs$74,8100.72x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Speaking
94%
#3
Writing
86%
#4
Critical Thinking
80%
#5
Reading Comprehension
74%
#6
Judgment and Decision Making
66%
#7
Complex Problem Solving
60%
#8
Systems Analysis
54%
#9
Time Management
46%
#10
Social Perceptiveness
40%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Speaking
advanced4.7
94%
Writing
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.0
80%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.7
74%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.3
66%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.0
60%
Systems Analysis
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Speaking
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Systems Analysis
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Advertising and Promotions Managers82%
5 shared skills
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys82%
5 shared skills
Water Resource Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Judicial Law Clerks82%
5 shared skills
Loan Interviewers and Clerks82%
5 shared skills
Medical and Health Services Managers82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
Learn on the Job:
- →Systems Analysis
- →Judgment and Decision Making
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Writing
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
16
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (12)Analysis & Evaluation (2)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Communication & Coordination (1)
1
Warn violators of infractions or penalties.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Evaluate applications, records, or documents to gather information about eligibility or liability issues.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation97% perform98%
3
Advise licensees or other individuals or groups concerning licensing, permit, or passport regulations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Prepare reports of activities, evaluations, recommendations, or decisions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation91% perform94%
5
Report law or regulation violations to appropriate boards or agencies.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Confer with or interview officials, technical or professional specialists, or applicants to obtain information or to clarify facts relevant to licensing decisions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Issue licenses to individuals meeting standards.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Collect fees for licenses.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Administer oral, written, road, or flight tests to license applicants.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Visit establishments to verify that valid licenses or permits are displayed and that licensing standards are being upheld.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •44% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Environmental Compliance Inspectors
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Environmental Compliance Inspectors professionals typically have a CIR Holland code and highly value achievement
CConventional
IInvestigative
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.75
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.55
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.40
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.10
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.10
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.05
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.5
Dependability
4.4
Self-Control
4.1
Persistence
4.1
Initiative
4.0
Cooperation
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.9
Analytical Thinking
3.8
Achievement/Effort
3.7
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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