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.
Industrial Ecologists
SOC: 19-2041 O*NET: 19-2041.03
Median Salary
$80,060
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.4%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
8.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
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 does a Industrial Ecologists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$50,130
10th percentile
Early Career
$62,090
25th percentile
Median
$80,060
50th percentile
Experienced
$103,730
75th percentile
Top Earners
$134,830
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$50,130
25th
$62,090
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$80,060
Mean: $88,640
75th
$103,730
90th
$134,830
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $84,700 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $62,090 and $103,730
- •Salary spread is 52.0% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 84,930 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:90,300
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services37.9%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services37.9%
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services20.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.4%
Annual Openings:8,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)90,300
Current
2034 (Projected)94,300
+4.4%
+4,000
Employment Change
+4.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Industrial Ecologists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
13,200 jobs$97,5201.33x
Florida
5,840 jobs$59,5101.08x
North Carolina
4,330 jobs$65,8001.60x
Washington
4,280 jobs$88,6702.20x
Texas
4,090 jobs$78,5600.54x
New York
3,500 jobs$80,2400.67x
New Jersey
2,990 jobs$79,9201.28x
Massachusetts
2,890 jobs$96,3301.44x
Virginia
2,700 jobs$78,1401.20x
Michigan
2,700 jobs$76,6701.11x
Ohio
2,570 jobs$80,6400.84x
Pennsylvania
2,570 jobs$73,0400.78x
Colorado
2,480 jobs$86,7201.55x
Minnesota
1,980 jobs$87,2101.23x
Maryland
1,800 jobs$82,1001.19x
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
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Speaking
86%
#4
Writing
80%
#5
Critical Thinking
74%
#6
Complex Problem Solving
66%
#7
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
#8
Systems Analysis
54%
#9
Active Learning
46%
#10
Science
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Writing
intermediate4.0
80%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.7
74%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.3
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.0
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:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Systems Analysis
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Science
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Geographers100%
5 shared skills
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists100%
5 shared skills
Animal Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Atmospheric and Space Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Biochemists and Biophysicists82%
5 shared skills
Molecular and Cellular Biologists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
Learn on the Job:
- →Systems Analysis
- →Complex Problem Solving
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Writing
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
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 Industrial Ecologists
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechBentley MicroStation
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechESRI ArcGIS software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Illustrator
🔥 Hot TechC++
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
IBM SPSS Statistics
Autodesk AutoCAD
Bentley MicroStation
Microsoft Access
Structured query language SQL
Microsoft Visual Basic
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
ESRI ArcGIS software
Adobe Illustrator
C++
📚 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
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡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 mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (7)Planning & Development (9)Analysis & Evaluation (2)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Communication & Coordination (1)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Evaluate violations or problems discovered during inspections to determine appropriate regulatory actions or to provide advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Analyze data to determine validity, quality, and scientific significance and to interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation88% perform92%
6
Determine data collection methods to be employed in research projects or surveys.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping82% perform88%
8
Develop the technical portions of legal documents, administrative orders, or consent decrees.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Investigate and report on accidents affecting the environment.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Monitor environmental impacts of development activities.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% 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 Industrial Ecologists
💡 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?
Industrial Ecologists professionals typically have a IRC Holland code and highly value achievement
IInvestigative
RRealistic
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Industrial Ecologists
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.74
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.35
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.17
Persistence
ImportantPersistence
Importance Level3.91
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.91
Dependability
ImportantDependability
Importance Level3.87
Complete Work Styles Profile
Analytical Thinking
4.7
Attention to Detail
4.3
Integrity
4.2
Persistence
3.9
Initiative
3.9
Dependability
3.9
Achievement/Effort
3.9
Innovation
3.9
Independence
3.7
Cooperation
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 plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
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