Best degree programs for Conservation Scientists, ranked by enrollment
17 college programs and 604 schools train Conservation Scientists. Compare graduates per year, cost and pay, $73,010 median wage, 25,950 U.S. jobs. Federal data.
17 college programs at 604 schools train conservation scientists, graduating 19,358 people a year (IPEDS completions). The largest is Sustainability Studies. The job pays a median of $73,010 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About conservation scientists
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
A conservation scientist is a museum professional who works in the field of conservation science and whose focus is on the research of cultural heritage through scientific inquiry. Conservation scientists conduct applied scientific research and techniques to determine the material, chemical, and technical aspects of cultural heritage. The technical information conservation scientists gather is then used by conservator and curators to decide the most suitable conservation treatments for the examined object and/or adds to our knowledge about the object by providing answers about the material composition, fabrication, authenticity, and previous restoration treatments.
Read more on Wikipedia →Fields of study that lead to this job
Grouped at the 4-digit CIP level, the tier our program pages are built on. Numbers are graduates per year.
17 degree programs that lead to this job
Ranked by graduates per year (IPEDS completions). Graduate earnings and debt are College Scorecard figures for people who finished the program, reported at the 4-digit CIP level, so specializations within one field share a figure. That is a different measurement from the occupation-wide wages further down this page.
| # | Program | Graduates / yr | Share of pipeline | Schools | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CIP 30.3301 | 4,424 | 22.9% | 226 | $37,223 | $20,968 |
| 2 | Natural Resources/Conservation, Generalmain feeder CIP 03.0101 | 3,142 | 16.2% | 130 | $34,020 | $23,032 |
| 3 | CIP 03.0601 | 2,509 | 13.0% | 88 | $28,750 | $24,798 |
| 4 | CIP 03.0201 | 1,612 | 8.3% | 72 | $37,946 | $24,125 |
| 5 | CIP 03.0501 | 1,235 | 6.4% | 43 | $42,109 | $21,842 |
| 6 | CIP 30.4401 | 1,229 | 6.3% | 70 | — | — |
| 7 | CIP 26.1301 | 1,166 | 6.0% | 67 | $29,460 | $23,480 |
| 8 | CIP 26.1310 | 879 | 4.5% | 42 | $29,460 | $23,480 |
| 9 | CIP 01.0308 | 767 | 4.0% | 77 | $36,083 | $17,395 |
| 10 | CIP 26.1305 | 481 | 2.5% | 51 | $29,460 | $23,480 |
| 11 | CIP 26.1307 | 405 | 2.1% | 37 | $29,460 | $23,480 |
| 12 | CIP 03.0502 | 367 | 1.9% | 20 | $42,109 | $21,842 |
| 13 | CIP 26.1399 | 344 | 1.8% | 17 | $29,460 | $23,480 |
| 14 | CIP 03.0205 | 293 | 1.5% | 32 | $37,946 | $24,125 |
| 15 | CIP 03.0506 | 287 | 1.5% | 17 | $42,109 | $21,842 |
| 16 | CIP 01.1106 | 137 | 0.7% | 19 | $42,861 | $20,500 |
| 17 | CIP 03.0206 | 81 | 0.4% | 14 | $37,946 | $24,125 |
Top 50 schools by graduates into this job
Counting every feeder program a school offers, not just its largest one.
What conservation scientists earn
What people already working in this job earn (BLS OEWS May 2025). Not graduate earnings.
Top-paying states
Top-paying metro areas
Job outlook
Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections, 2024 to 2034.
Where the jobs are, state by state
Pick a state for in-state pay, the schools there, and the programs they run.
| State | Median pay | Jobs | Concentration | Schools | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $79,810 | 2,110 | 0.69× | 39 | 1,695 |
| New York | $76,990 | 640 | 0.40× | 40 | 1,260 |
| Colorado | $84,820 | 1,230 | 2.57× | 16 | 1,132 |
| Texas | $68,620 | 1,970 | 0.84× | 25 | 906 |
| Wisconsin | $79,540 | 970 | 1.97× | 15 | 844 |
| Michigan | $63,500 | 820 | 1.12× | 19 | 838 |
| Florida | $51,130 | 950 | 0.57× | 18 | 819 |
| Massachusetts | $78,740 | 760 | 1.26× | 13 | 776 |
| Pennsylvania | $61,480 | 900 | 0.89× | 33 | 618 |
| Oregon | $80,790 | 1,020 | 3.10× | 12 | 586 |
| Arizona | $66,750 | 410 | 0.76× | 14 | 578 |
| North Carolina | $64,460 | 540 | 0.65× | 25 | 545 |
| Ohio | $63,160 | 680 | 0.74× | 18 | 480 |
| Virginia | $77,380 | 480 | 0.70× | 14 | 476 |
| Illinois | $69,590 | 730 | 0.72× | 22 | 470 |
| Georgia | $69,240 | 360 | 0.44× | 17 | 455 |
| Utah | $78,850 | 410 | 1.41× | 7 | 434 |
| Washington | $78,450 | 1,270 | 2.14× | 17 | 402 |
| Minnesota | $71,280 | 770 | 1.57× | 15 | 352 |
| Maine | $75,900 | 290 | 2.75× | 7 | 350 |
| Iowa | $69,240 | 610 | 2.36× | 12 | 324 |
| Maryland | $83,290 | 470 | 1.02× | 10 | 321 |
| West Virginia | $69,910 | 160 | 1.39× | 5 | 319 |
| Tennessee | $70,500 | 250 | 0.46× | 11 | 284 |
| Missouri | $63,130 | 600 | 1.22× | 12 | 241 |
| Idaho | $81,330 | 300 | 2.13× | 7 | 238 |
| South Carolina | $52,310 | 300 | 0.78× | 8 | 233 |
| Alabama | $77,000 | 110 | 0.31× | 6 | 229 |
| New Jersey | $64,020 | 500 | 0.70× | 11 | 226 |
| Oklahoma | $71,270 | 310 | 1.07× | 9 | 220 |
| Connecticut | $73,860 | 140 | 0.50× | 5 | 214 |
| New Hampshire | $74,650 | 130 | 1.14× | 7 | 214 |
| Mississippi | $59,510 | 470 | 2.42× | 5 | 212 |
| Montana | $73,920 | 560 | 6.53× | 10 | 205 |
| Indiana | $64,570 | 430 | 0.80× | 18 | 181 |
| Nebraska | $76,400 | 220 | 1.30× | 6 | 163 |
| Louisiana | $80,190 | 190 | 0.60× | 5 | 151 |
| Vermont | $70,130 | 100 | 2.00× | 5 | 145 |
| Kansas | $67,200 | 220 | 0.91× | 8 | 130 |
| Rhode Island | $76,130 | 60 | 0.66× | 5 | 122 |
| Kentuckymoderate | $71,980 | 180 | 0.53× | 4 | 111 |
| Arkansas | $73,320 | 230 | 1.06× | 5 | 108 |
| Hawaiimoderate | $65,740 | 220 | 2.14× | 4 | 103 |
| South Dakota | $76,400 | 360 | 4.66× | 5 | 97 |
| Nevadalimited | $73,030 | 210 | 0.79× | 2 | 86 |
| District of Columbiamoderate | $99,400 | 110 | 0.97× | 4 | 79 |
| North Dakota | $77,280 | 340 | 4.70× | 5 | 73 |
| Delawaremoderate | $63,850 | 80 | 1.02× | 3 | 69 |
| New Mexicomoderate | $76,800 | 330 | 2.25× | 4 | 68 |
| Alaskamoderate | $79,260 | 290 | 5.30× | 3 | 57 |
| Wyoming | $81,310 | 150 | 3.24× | 6 | 57 |
Skills and tools
From O*NET, the U.S. Department of Labor's occupational database. Importance is a 1 to 5 scale.
What they do day to day
- Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
- Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.
- Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
- Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
- Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
- Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information, technical guides or engineering manuals.
- Gather information from geographic information systems (GIS) databases or applications to formulate land use recommendations.
- Participate on work teams to plan, develop, or implement programs or policies for improving environmental habitats, wetlands, or groundwater or soil resources.
Skills
- Active Listening3.9
- Reading Comprehension3.9
- Speaking3.8
- Critical Thinking3.6
- Writing3.5
- Monitoring3.3
- Active Learning3.3
- Learning Strategies3.0
Knowledge areas
- English Language4.0
- Biology3.8
- Customer and Personal Service3.8
- Geography3.5
- Education and Training3.5
- Law and Government3.5
Abilities
- Oral Expression4.0
- Oral Comprehension4.0
- Written Comprehension3.9
- Written Expression3.8
- Problem Sensitivity3.7
- Speech Clarity3.7
Core activities
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.4
- Getting Information4.2
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.2
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.2
- Working with Computers4.2
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.1
Tools and technology
hotmarks an O*NET hot technologyHow to get in
How to become a Conservation Scientist
Job zone 4 of 5 · SVP 7.0 to < 8.0- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Every major mapped to this job
The official federal mapping behind the rankings above.
All 17 majors mapped to Conservation Scientists17 of them graduated someone in the latest IPEDS year. NCES CIP 2020 → SOC 2018 crosswalk.+
- 01.0308Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
- 01.1106Range Science and Management
- 03.0101Natural Resources/Conservation, General
- 03.0201Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, General
- 03.0205Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management
- 03.0206Land Use Planning and Management/Development
- 03.0501Forestry, General
- 03.0502Forest Sciences and Biology
- 03.0506Forest Management/Forest Resources Management
- 03.0601Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
- 26.1301Ecology
- 26.1305Environmental Biology
- 26.1307Conservation Biology
- 26.1310Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- 26.1399Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Population Biology, Other
- 30.3301Sustainability Studies
- 30.4401Geography and Environmental Studies
Related careers
Jobs O*NET identifies as close to this one, with their own pay and outlook.
Common questions
What degree do you need to become a Conservation Scientist?+
Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education BLS reports for this occupation. The most common program people actually graduate from is Sustainability Studies, which awarded 4,424 degrees in 2024-25, 22.9% of everyone graduating from a program that feeds this career.
Which college majors lead to becoming a Conservation Scientist?+
The NCES CIP-to-SOC crosswalk maps 17 programs to this occupation. The largest are Sustainability Studies, Ecology, Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management, plus 5 more. Together they graduate about 19,358 people a year.
How much do conservation scientists earn?+
The median is $73,010 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025). The middle range runs from $47,550 at the 10th percentile to $110,410 at the 90th. This is pay for people already working in the occupation, not the same thing as graduate earnings one year after finishing a degree.
Is demand for conservation scientists growing?+
BLS projects a +3.4% change in employment between 2024 and 2034, about as fast as average, with roughly 2,500 openings a year nationally once retirements and job changes are counted.
How many schools offer programs for this career?+
604 institutions reported graduates from at least one of the 17 programs that feed this occupation in IPEDS 2024-25. Rankings on this page use graduates per year, because the federal data publishes no enrollment count by program.
What other job titles do conservation scientists work under?+
Employers advertise this work under many names. O*NET records Naturalist, Park Guide, Park Ranger, Conservationist, Park Naturalist, Range Technician among the most commonly reported, all mapping to SOC 19-1031.
About the data on this page
Rankings use IPEDS completions 2024-25, degrees awarded per year. That is the closest federal measure of how many people a program puts into a career, because no federal dataset publishes enrollment by program. Wages and employment come from BLS OEWS May 2025, growth and openings from BLS Employment Projections 2024-34, and which majors lead to which jobs from the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. Occupation descriptions, tasks, skills and tools are O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor/ETA).
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics
May 2025Wages, employment counts, location quotients and metro breakdowns.
BLS Employment Projections
2024–34Projected growth, annual openings and typical entry-level education.
IPEDS Completions
2024-25 (provisional)Graduates per year by program and institution — the ranking metric.
College Scorecard, Field of Study
2020-21 cohortsMedian graduate earnings one year after completion, and median debt.
Census Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes
latest availableGraduate earnings 1/5/10 years out, where the state participates.
NCES CIP 2020 and the CIP-to-SOC 2018 crosswalk
CIP 2020 / SOC 2018Which college programs officially lead to this occupation.
O*NET Database 30.3
30.3Tasks, skills, knowledge, tools, job zone and alternate job titles.
Official source →CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor / ETA
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