Why Study Earth Science
- United States Bureau of Labor Statistics for Earth Scientists
- Fast Facts
- What do Earth Scientists Study?
- What Skills Do You Learn Studying Earth Science?
- Earth Science Career Opportunities
- Potential Employers
United States BureaU of Labor Statistics for Earth Scientists
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Geoscientists
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Environmental Scientists and Specialists
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Atmospheric Scientists, including Meteorologists
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Conservation Scientists and Foresters
Fast Facts
Earth Systems Science is a STEM field that utilizes our understanding of the various interconnected systems on Earth to address major environment problems of our time. Overall, Earth Scientists are seeing growth in job availability and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the job outlook to grow through 2030. In addition, median pay is very high! For example, $91,130 (geoscientist), $71,130 (environmental specialist/scientist), $94,110 (atmospheric scientist), $61,340 (conservation scientist/forester), all reveal the demand and earning potential of being a professional Earth Scientist!
What do Earth Scientists Study?
- Natural Hazards and Disasters
- Natural Resources (Management and Conservation)
- Environmental Issues and Conservation
- Human-Environment Interactions
- Climatology and Climate Change
- Weather/Meteorology
- Geomorphology and Earth Surface Processes
- Soil Formation and Conservation
- Surface Water, like Rivers and Lakes
- Landslides, Debris Flows, Rock Falls, and other Mass Wasting Processes
- Glacial Processes and Landforms, Climate Change Impact on Glaciers
- Plate Tectonics, Mountain Building, and Earthquakes
- Educating about Earth Science (K12, Public Outreach, etc.)
- and much more
What Skills Do You Learn Studying Earth Science?
- Scientific Research
- Communication Skills
- Data Synthesis and Interpretation
- Computer Skills
- Geospatial Technology Skills
- Scientific Methods
- Scientific Writing
- Field Research
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Environmental Awareness
Earth Science Career Opportunities
- Conservation Scientist*
- Educator – K12
- Outdoor Educator
- Forest/Park Ranger
- Forester
- Geographer
- Geomorphologist
- Grant Writer
- Meteorologist*
- Climatologist*
- Naturalist
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Engineer*
- Environmental Scientist*
- Natural Resource Management
- Natural Resource Exploration
- Natural Hazards Consultant
- Hydrologist*
- Professor*
- Research Scientist*
- Soil Scientist*
*these careers may need more courses or advanced degrees.
Potential Employers
- Museums & Libraries
- Colleges & Universities
- Government Agencies
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Research Labs & Organizations
- Science and Nature Centers
- University Extension Programs
- Environmental Engineering and Consulting
- Conservation Organizations
- Tourism Industry
- and much more
