Science
Industrial Ecologists
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.
Median salary (BLS)
$82,220
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$53k – $140k
Job outlook
+4% (faster than average)
AI exposure
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one wage for this occupational group, which covers 3 related roles — so read the median as an approximate group figure, and the range as the truer picture for this specific title. BLS source.
Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $119,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Plan a path to Industrial Ecologists
Education
Typical entry: Master's degree
Plan my path to this →Typical progression
Industrial Ecologists Intern
Internship
$36,000
~4 mos to advance
Junior Industrial Ecologists
Entry / Junior
$52,520
~2 yrs to advance
Industrial Ecologists
Established
$82,220
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Industrial Ecologists
Senior
$111,115
Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.
Key skills
A typical day
- •Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.
- •Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.
- •Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences.
- •Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.
- •Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste-management practices.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Science
Explore all- Massachusetts Institute of Technology4% admit · $124,000 grad pay
- California Institute of Technology3% admit · $112,000 grad pay
- Harvard University4% admit · $119,000 grad pay
- Stanford University4% admit · $122,000 grad pay
- University of California, Berkeley11% admit · $97,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.