Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary fall under the Education, Training, and Library category in the U.S. occupational classification. Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median salary of $87,710 per year, ranking in the top 19% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +2.9% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do environmental science teachers, postsecondary earn?

The median annual wage for environmental science teachers, postsecondary is $87,710. That puts environmental science teachers, postsecondary at #154 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is environmental science teachers, postsecondary a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for environmental science teachers, postsecondary is +2.9%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 9K positions in 2024 to 9K in 2034, a net change of 0K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do environmental science teachers, postsecondary do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working environmental science teachers, postsecondary, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
2. 2.Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
3. 3.Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
4. 4.Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
5. 5.Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as hazardous waste management, industrial safety, and environmental toxicology.
6. 6.Write letters of recommendation for students.
7. 7.Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
8. 8.Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.

Top skills for environmental science teachers, postsecondary

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become environmental science teachers, postsecondary?

The standard path into environmental science teachers, postsecondary begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Law Teachers, Postsecondary
  $126,650 median
• Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
  $119,980 median
• Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
  $106,120 median
• Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
  $105,620 median
• Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
  $101,480 median
• Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
  $101,390 median

Common questions parents ask about environmental science teachers, postsecondary