Environmental Economists

Environmental economists analyze the costs, benefits, and incentives associated with protecting natural resources like air, water, land, and renewable energy. On a daily basis, these professionals gather and process information, analyze data using computers, and solve complex problems. They use economic principles and statistical techniques to evaluate alternative policies and interpret their findings for others.

This role requires strong investigative interests and a deep knowledge of economics, accounting, mathematics, and geography. To succeed, economists must also understand law, government, sociology, and communications. Key skills for this career include critical thinking, active listening, writing, and complex problem solving. They must communicate their findings clearly to supervisors and peers, making creative thinking and sound judgment essential.

Entering this career typically requires extensive preparation. Most professionals in this field need a graduate degree, such as a master's degree, PhD, JD, or MD.

Students preparing for this path often pursue undergraduate or graduate majors in economics, business or managerial economics, or environmental and natural resources management and policy. Other relevant college majors include applied mathematics, political science and government, agricultural business and management, and philosophy, politics, and economics.

In 2025, the median annual pay for economists, the broader group that includes environmental economists, was $124,720. Earnings range from less than $67,360 for the lowest 10% of workers to more than $238,060 for the highest 10%. There are 17,790 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 4.7%, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in 1,100 job openings each year.