How much does a environmental science teacher make?
The median environmental science teacher in the United States earns $94,980 per year. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all environmental science teachers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 25-1053.
Environmental science teacher salary range
Pay for environmental science teachers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $57,780 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $164,190. The average (mean) wage of $103,610 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,780 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $69,880 | |
| Median (50th) | $94,980 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $126,900 | |
| 90th percentile | $164,190 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for environmental science teachers, postsecondary (SOC 25-1053), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Environmental science teacher salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Environmental science teachers earn the most in Kentucky at $139,110 a year, and the least in Arkansas at $59,910. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $139,110 | 70 |
| Maryland | $131,060 | 220 |
| Oklahoma | $113,680 | 30 |
| Michigan | $112,730 | 270 |
| New Mexico | $111,270 | 50 |
| California | $108,290 | 300 |
| Massachusetts | $106,110 | 280 |
| Virginia | $104,730 | 300 |
| Illinois | $104,440 | 170 |
| Utah | $103,510 | 40 |
| New Hampshire | $102,650 | 90 |
| New York | $102,640 | 610 |
| Vermont | $102,580 | 100 |
| Washington | $101,430 | 190 |
| South Carolina | $99,540 | 130 |
| District of Columbia | $99,300 | N/A |
| Tennessee | $98,560 | 100 |
| Montana | $97,890 | 60 |
| Nevada | $94,820 | 50 |
| Minnesota | $93,640 | 120 |
| Maine | $92,120 | 30 |
| Pennsylvania | $91,640 | 240 |
| Oregon | $90,270 | 170 |
| Georgia | $84,290 | 330 |
| Missouri | $83,210 | 100 |
| Ohio | $82,920 | 210 |
| New Jersey | $82,890 | 350 |
| North Carolina | $82,360 | 210 |
| Arizona | $81,730 | 190 |
| Iowa | $79,570 | 40 |
| Texas | $79,160 | 380 |
| Wisconsin | $79,120 | 160 |
| Colorado | $78,800 | 210 |
| Indiana | $78,400 | 70 |
| Florida | $77,830 | 80 |
| Mississippi | $76,210 | N/A |
| Alabama | $64,700 | 40 |
| Arkansas | $59,910 | 40 |
State median wages for environmental science teachers, postsecondary (SOC 25-1053), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for environmental science teachers
The BLS projects employment of environmental science teachers to grow 2.7% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 8,400 jobs in 2025 moving toward 8,700 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 600 openings a year for environmental science teachers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become an environmental science teacher
The typical entry-level education for environmental science teachers is a doctoral or professional degree, according to the BLS.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much an environmental science teacher earns
District budget, level taught, degree, and region drive pay, along with years of service on a step-and-lane salary schedule. High cost metros and senior educators land near the top.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Kentucky, $139,110) and the lowest (Arkansas, $59,910) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 6,690 people work as environmental science teachers in the United States. At $94,980 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Environmental science teacher salary FAQ
How much does an environmental science teacher make an hour?
Environmental science teachers are generally salaried rather than paid by the hour, so the BLS does not publish an hourly wage for this job. The median annual salary is $94,980.
What is the highest environmental science teacher salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of environmental science teachers earn more than $164,190 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does an environmental science teacher make a year?
The median annual salary for an environmental science teacher is $94,980. The average (mean) wage of $103,610 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being an environmental science teacher a well paid job?
At $94,980 a year, an environmental science teacher earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 6,690 people work as environmental science teachers in the United States.
Which state pays environmental science teachers the most?
Kentucky has the highest median salary for environmental science teachers at $139,110 a year. Maryland ($131,060) and Oklahoma ($113,680) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being an environmental science teacher a good career?
Employment of environmental science teachers is projected to grow 2.7% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 600 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become an environmental science teacher?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for environmental science teachers as a doctoral or professional degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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