Environmental writers create content about environmental topics for diverse outlets including magazines, news organizations, nonprofits, and green businesses. They earn a median salary of $73,150 annually, with opportunities ranging from investigative journalism to technical writing. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English, or environmental science, combined with strong writing skills and environmental knowledge.
Environmental writing focuses on environmental topics. It encompasses a wide range of writing styles for different outlets and audiences. It may deal with various aspects of the environment, such as energy, technology, policy, wildlife, or trends in "green" industries.
An environmental writer is a person who writes about environmental topics. He or she may specialize in a particular area, such as energy policy or a particular type of writing, such as news articles, magazine articles, or press releases.
What Does an Environmental Writer Do?
Environmental writers write about environmental topics for a variety of outlets. For example, they may cover energy, environmental policy, water issues, climate change, environmental justice, or new technologies and industry news. They may write in one style for one publication or employer, or many styles for different markets.
| Specialization | Typical Outlets | Key Skills Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Journalism | Sierra, High Country News, Grist, Inside Climate News, major newspapers | Investigative reporting, interviewing, fact-checking, deadline management |
| Technical Writing | Software companies, equipment manufacturers, engineering firms | Technical comprehension, clear instructions, documentation standards |
| Communications/PR | Nonprofits, government agencies, research centers, corporations | Press release writing, media relations, strategic messaging |
| Copywriting | Green businesses, sustainable brands, environmental product companies | Persuasive writing, marketing principles, SEO, brand voice consistency |
| Nature Writing | Literary magazines, book publishers, outdoor publications | Descriptive writing, narrative storytelling, natural history knowledge |
Environmental Article Writing
Some writers create environmental news articles for blogs, online magazines, and print magazines. Others write about environment-related industry news and trends for trade magazines read by workers in energy, construction, design, and related industries. This involves choosing interesting topics appropriate for a particular outlet, "pitching" the idea to the editor, then researching and writing the story. The research stage may involve conducting interviews with stakeholders or requesting documents.
Environmental Journalism
Some writers are professional environmental journalists who write investigative pieces exposing illegal activity, unethical practices, or emerging environmental problems. They may write "hard news" meant solely to communicate new information, or engaging human interest stories that describe the effects of environmental problems on specific people or communities.
All types of environmental journalism involve doing background research, which sometimes includes conducting interviews. Environmental journalists often collaborate with wildlife biologists and other field researchers to tell compelling conservation stories. Reporters partner with ornithologists to cover bird migration patterns and habitat loss, or work alongside herpetologists on reptile conservation stories.
Some write for news outlets such as CNN and major newspapers, while others write for environmental magazines such as Sierra, High Country News, Grist, Inside Climate News, Yale Environment 360, or National Parks Magazine. A growing number of online news outlets, magazines, and blogs also publish environmental content.
Data journalism is an emerging trend in the industry. Data journalism reflects the pivotal role that data now plays in the digital age. It analyzes available data to uncover trends and communicates the information through maps, charts, and graphs. Multimedia journalism is another emerging area. This approach uses video and audio to bring stories to the public in a vivid and memorable way.
Environmental Communications
Some writers are communications professionals who write and edit press releases and white papers for nonprofit environmental organizations, research centers, and government agencies. Others write about industry news for companies that distribute daily newsletters to executives. These positions typically involve translating complex environmental research into accessible public messaging, coordinating with leadership teams on strategic communications, and managing relationships with media contacts.
Environmental Copy Writing
Copywriters create advertising or marketing copy aimed at selling a product or service. Writers interested in the environment can write copy for green companies selling environmental products and services. This might include website content, email campaigns, social media posts, and print advertisements for sustainable brands, renewable energy companies, or eco-friendly consumer products.
Environmental Technical Writing
Technical writers can focus on the environment by creating instructions, tutorials, and help pages for environmental software, environmental or scientific equipment, and earth-friendly consumer products such as solar-powered devices. They work closely with environmental engineers to document water treatment systems, pollution control equipment, and sustainable design solutions. Technical writers also write procedural manuals for company employees, ensuring that complex environmental technologies are properly understood and operated.
Other Genres
Some writers pen environmental fiction, such as novels, poetry, and other works that include lengthy descriptions of nature, reflections on nature, or plots involving environmental issues. Wallace Stegner, Annie Dillard, and Edward Abbey are a few examples of this type of author.
Nature writers create nonfiction accounts of traveling or living in the wilderness. These works feature vivid, poetic descriptions of the natural world. Nature writers often accompany zoologists on field expeditions, translating their research into vivid narratives about animal behavior and conservation challenges. Rick Bass and Anne LaBastille are examples of nature writers.
Where Does an Environmental Writer Work?
Communications professionals are usually employed full-time by businesses, working in offices and maintaining standard work schedules. They sometimes work against tight deadlines and may occasionally work longer hours. Technical writers are also usually employed full-time, keeping traditional business hours in their on-site offices. However, some may work remotely some or all of the time. Copywriters are also usually employed by companies, either on a permanent, full-time basis or as freelancers.
Some environmental journalists are employed as staff writers for magazines and newspapers. However, most are freelancers. Environmental, nature, and fiction writers are also usually freelancers.
Staff jobs at magazine and book publishers, and at nonprofits, are often found in publishing hubs such as Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, DC. However, many workers can now spend most of their time working online, only rarely traveling to the office. Due to the rise of websites connecting freelancers with contract work-such as Upwork, Mediabistro, and Contently-writers are increasingly working remotely on a freelance basis.
While freelancers do not receive benefits such as paid holidays and health insurance, they do have the flexibility to manage their own schedules and work environments. They can also choose which projects they'd like to work on. However, they must handle bookkeeping, taxes, promotion, and management of their freelance businesses.
A Day in the Life: Freelance Environmental Journalist
A typical day for a freelance environmental journalist might start with scanning news feeds and scientific journals for story ideas over morning coffee. By mid-morning, you're conducting phone interviews with a climate scientist about new research findings. After lunch, you're drafting an article on deadline for an online environmental magazine, weaving together interview quotes, scientific data, and compelling narrative. Late afternoon brings administrative work-pitching story ideas to editors, invoicing for completed assignments, and maintaining your social media presence to build your professional network.
A Day in the Life: Staff Technical Writer
A staff technical writer at an environmental software company typically starts their day reviewing technical specifications from the development team. Morning meetings with engineers clarify new features that need documentation. You spend several hours writing and updating user manuals, help articles, and tutorial videos, translating complex environmental monitoring systems into clear, step-by-step instructions. Afternoon brings collaboration with the design team on screenshots and diagrams, followed by editing sessions to ensure consistency across all documentation.
A Day in the Life: Nonprofit Communications Professional
At an environmental nonprofit, your morning might involve drafting a press release about new conservation legislation, then meeting with the executive director to review talking points for an upcoming media interview. Midday brings social media management-responding to supporter comments, scheduling posts about upcoming events, and monitoring mentions of your organization. Afternoons often involve longer projects like quarterly newsletter content, grant reports for funders, or white papers explaining your organization's policy positions to stakeholders.
What Is the Average Environmental Writer Salary?
As of 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median salary of $73,150 for writers and authors. However, salaries vary widely depending on employment status, employer type, experience level, and specialization. The top 10% in this profession earn more than $133,580.
Writers employed full-time by companies and government agencies generally earn higher salaries than freelancers or those employed by nonprofits. Geography also plays a significant role, with writers in major metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC typically earning above-average salaries.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Employment Context |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $35,000-$45,000 | Staff positions at nonprofits, small publications, or entry-level corporate roles |
| Mid-Career (3-7 years) | $50,000-$75,000 | Established freelancers, staff writers at major publications, corporate communications |
| Senior (8+ years) | $80,000-$120,000+ | Senior editors, communications directors, specialized consultants, bestselling authors |
| Freelance Rates | $0.25-$2.00 per word or $500-$5,000 per project | Highly variable based on outlet prestige, writer experience, and assignment complexity |
Freelance environmental writers typically charge by the word (ranging from $0.25 to $2.00 or more for prestigious outlets) or by the project (ranging from $500 to $5,000+ depending on complexity and required research). Building a sustainable freelance income often takes several years as you establish your reputation and client base.
What Do Environmental Writers Actually Do?
Environmental writers bridge the gap between complex scientific research and public understanding. You'll dive into technical studies, interview leading researchers, and translate dense data into clear, engaging stories that resonate with readers who care about the environment but may not have scientific training.
Your day-to-day work varies significantly depending on your specialization. Freelance journalists might spend mornings researching climate policy changes, afternoons conducting phone interviews with scientists, and evenings crafting articles on tight deadlines. Technical writers for environmental software companies follow a different rhythm-creating user manuals, writing help documentation, and collaborating with engineers to ensure accuracy. Communications professionals at nonprofits juggle press releases, white papers, and social media content, often coordinating with executive teams on messaging strategy.
Core responsibilities shared across most environmental writing positions include analyzing and interpreting data obtained from literature reviews, research findings, and scientific studies. You'll explain how environmental events or trends may impact ecosystems and human populations, communicating clearly with the public and stakeholders on both tightly focused incidents and broad environmental trends. Strong research skills are essential, as you'll frequently review historical data, identify patterns and cycles, and interview experts to ensure accuracy.
Senior environmental writers often take on enhanced responsibilities, including managing editorial calendars, mentoring junior writers, and providing consultation to agencies and researchers. You might steer a publication's environmental coverage direction, ensure journalistic integrity across multiple stories, or lead outreach programs that engage the public on environmental issues.
What Is the Job Demand for Environmental Writers?
BLS projects that employment of writers and authors will grow 4 percent between 2022 and 2032, creating approximately 15,500 job openings annually. Online writing outlets continue to expand, and there's an increasing number of startup companies providing environmental products and services that need skilled writers.
Several factors are driving demand for environmental writers. Climate change has elevated environmental topics to mainstream news coverage, with major media outlets now dedicating resources to climate desks and environmental beats. Corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting requirements have created demand for writers who can communicate sustainability initiatives to investors and stakeholders. The growth of environmental justice movements has expanded opportunities for writers who can tell stories about how environmental issues affect communities.
Emerging specializations show particularly strong growth. Climate communication specialists are increasingly sought after by governments, NGOs, and corporations working to translate climate science into actionable public messaging. Data journalists with environmental expertise are valued for their ability to analyze large datasets and create compelling visualizations about pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate trends. Multimedia storytellers who can combine writing with video, audio, and interactive elements are finding opportunities in digital media outlets.
What Environmental Writer Careers Are Available?
Some writers eventually work their way up to editorial positions. Editors identify and schedule stories, correct writing style, and manage teams of writers. Editors are usually full-time staff employees of organizations that publish magazines, books, newspapers, and web content. Senior editorial roles can include managing editor, section editor, or editor-in-chief positions at environmental publications.
Other career progression paths include moving into communications leadership roles such as communications director at nonprofits or corporations, environmental affairs manager, or public information officer for government agencies. Some writers transition into related fields, such as environmental consulting, where strong writing skills support proposal development and client reporting. Others build freelance careers that evolve into consulting practices, offering strategic communications advice alongside writing services.
How Do I Get an Environmental Writer Degree?
There's no one track to becoming an environmental writer, other than earning a bachelor's degree. While a college degree is generally essential for writers, the degree type is somewhat flexible. Some environmental writers have degrees (B.A.) in journalism, communications, English, or writing. However, many hold degrees in environmental science or related fields and have excellent writing skills.
If you're considering a career in this area, focus on courses in English, writing, technical writing, communications, journalism, environmental science, ecology, and geography. Classes in biology, chemistry, earth science, and engineering are also helpful for developing a solid understanding of environmental issues. Students interested in the emerging field of "data journalism" should add courses on statistics and computer science. Some writers earn master's degrees in science communication (M.S. or M.Sc.), which can open doors to specialized positions and higher starting salaries.
Related Degree Options for Environmental Writers
How to Get Started in Environmental Writing
You can start building your portfolio right now, even before completing your degree. Begin by writing for your school newspaper about environmental issues on campus-covering sustainability initiatives, interviewing environmental science professors, or reporting on local conservation efforts. This gives you published clips and practical experience with editorial processes.
Start a blog focusing on 1-2 specific environmental topics that genuinely interest you. Whether it's renewable energy policy, urban wildlife, or zero-waste living, deep expertise in a niche makes you more valuable to editors and employers. Consistent blogging demonstrates your ability to meet deadlines and build authority.
Volunteer to write for nonprofit environmental organizations. Local conservation groups, environmental justice organizations, and wildlife rehabilitation centers often need help with newsletters, social media content, and blog posts. This provides portfolio pieces while building connections in the environmental community.
Pitch small online publications and blogs. Many environmental websites accept freelance contributions, some paid and some for exposure. Start with outlets that align with your interests: if you're passionate about marine conservation, pitch articles to ocean-focused blogs. Early in your career, some unpaid clips for reputable outlets can open doors to paid opportunities.
Building Essential Skills
Beyond writing ability, develop skills that make you competitive in today's market. Learn basic data visualization using tools such as Tableau or Datawrapper to create compelling charts and graphs from environmental datasets. Familiarize yourself with content management systems like WordPress. Understand SEO basics to help your online content reach broader audiences. If you're interested in multimedia journalism, experiment with video editing, audio recording, or creating interactive web features.
Networking and Professional Development
Join professional organizations early. Student memberships in the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) and National Association of Science Writers (NASW) are affordable and provide access to job boards, mentorship programs, and annual conferences where you can meet established writers and editors. Follow environmental writers you admire on social media, engage thoughtfully with their work, and gradually build your own professional presence on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn.
Attend environmental journalism workshops and conferences when possible. These events offer skill-building sessions, networking opportunities, and often lead directly to job offers or freelance assignments. Many organizations offer scholarships or reduced rates for students and early-career writers.
What Kind of Societies and Professional Organizations Do Environmental Writers Have?
The Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) is the premier organization for environmental journalists in North America. It organizes an annual conference, regional conferences, and local meet-ups. SEJ funds grants and fellowships, offers workshops, and runs a mentoring program. It also hosts a library of resources, including guides, tip sheets, teaching resources, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) resources. FOIA is often used by journalists to obtain public information from the government. The organization's job board frequently lists opportunities at major publications and environmental organizations.
The National Association of Science Writers (NASW) provides a forum for science writers of all stripes to network and improve their skills. It hosts databases of funding sources, contacts, and jobs. It also provides tools, tips, FAQs, and mentoring resources. NASW publishes ScienceWriters magazine, holds an annual conference, and funds awards and grants. While broader than environmental writing alone, NASW's resources are invaluable for writers covering environmental science.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an environmental writer and an environmental journalist?
Environmental journalism is a specific type of environmental writing focused on news reporting and investigative work. Environmental journalists adhere to strict journalistic standards, including fact-checking, source verification, and objective reporting. They often work under tight deadlines, covering breaking environmental news or conducting long-term investigations. Environmental writers, more broadly, include journalists, technical writers, copywriters, communications professionals, and creative writers who focus on environmental topics. Not all environmental writers follow journalistic practices or work in news contexts.
How much do environmental writers make per year?
As of 2022, environmental writers earn a median salary of approximately $73,150 annually, based on BLS data for all writers and authors. However, compensation varies significantly. Entry-level positions at nonprofits or small publications might start around $35,000-$45,000, while experienced writers at major outlets or in corporate communications can earn $80,000-$120,000+. Freelance rates range from $0.25 to $2.00+ per word, depending on your experience and the publication's prestige. Top environmental writers and bestselling authors can earn well over $133,580 annually.
Can I become an environmental writer without an environmental science degree?
Yes, absolutely. Many successful environmental writers have degrees in journalism, communications, English, or creative writing rather than environmental science. What matters most is strong writing ability combined with a willingness to learn environmental topics thoroughly. You can develop environmental knowledge through coursework, self-study, workshops, and immersion in environmental literature and research. Some of the most respected environmental journalists came from traditional journalism backgrounds and developed their environmental expertise on the job. That said, having an environmental science background can give you a competitive advantage when covering technical topics and communicating with scientists.
Do environmental writers work from home or in offices?
It depends on your role and employer. Staff positions at magazines, newspapers, nonprofits, and corporations traditionally involved office work, though many organizations now offer hybrid or fully remote options. Technical writers and communications professionals often work from company offices but may have flexibility for some remote work. Freelance environmental writers-which represents the majority of those in journalism and creative writing-typically work from home or co-working spaces. The rise of remote work technology means geographic location matters less than it once did, though publishing hubs like New York, DC, and San Francisco still offer the most in-person opportunities.
What publications hire environmental writers?
Major outlets include national news organizations like The New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN, which maintain environmental or climate beats. Specialized environmental magazines include Sierra, High Country News, Grist, Inside Climate News, Yale Environment 360, National Parks Magazine, and Audubon Magazine. Trade publications in the energy, construction, and design fields need writers covering industry trends and environmental regulations. Online platforms like Medium, Mongabay, and Environmental Health News also publish environmental content. Beyond publications, nonprofits, government agencies, research institutions, and green businesses all employ writers for communications, technical documentation, and content creation.
How do I build a portfolio as an environmental writer?
Start immediately by creating your own published work. Write for your school newspaper about campus environmental issues. Launch a blog focused on specific environmental topics that interest you-consistent posting on renewable energy, wildlife conservation, or urban sustainability demonstrates expertise. Volunteer to write for local environmental nonprofits, which provide clips and references. Pitch articles to small online environmental blogs and websites; many accept contributions from new writers. As you accumulate clips, create a simple online portfolio website showcasing your best work, organized by topic or writing type. Quality matters more than quantity-five strong, well-researched pieces are more valuable than dozens of superficial articles.
Is there job growth for environmental writers?
Yes. The BLS projects employment growth of 4 percent for writers and authors through 2032, with approximately 15,500 annual job openings. Environmental writing specifically is experiencing strong demand driven by several factors: increased mainstream media coverage of climate change, corporate ESG reporting requirements, growth in environmental justice movements, and expansion of online environmental publications. Emerging specializations such as data journalism, multimedia storytelling, and climate communication are showing particularly robust growth. While traditional print journalism faces challenges, digital environmental media continues to expand, and demand for skilled environmental communicators in the corporate and nonprofit sectors remains strong.
Key Takeaways
- Diverse Career Paths: Environmental writing encompasses journalism, technical writing, copywriting, communications, and creative writing across outlets from major news organizations to corporate sustainability departments and nonprofit conservation groups.
- Flexible Education Options: While many environmental writers hold degrees in journalism or communications, environmental science degrees, combined with strong writing skills, also open doors. What matters most is writing ability plus deep environmental knowledge, which can be developed through various educational paths.
- Growing Digital Opportunities: The urgency of climate change, corporate ESG reporting, and environmental justice movements are driving demand for skilled environmental writers. Data journalism, multimedia storytelling, and climate communication are among the fastest-growing specializations.
- Freelance Flexibility and Challenges: Most environmental writers work as freelancers, offering schedule flexibility and project choice but requiring business management skills, including invoicing, taxes, self-promotion, and maintaining steady client pipelines without employment benefits.
- Competitive Pay with Significant Variability: Writers and authors earn a median salary of $73,150, but compensation varies dramatically based on employment type (staff vs. freelance), experience level, specialization, and geographic location. Building a sustainable writing career often takes several years.
Ready to launch your environmental writing career? Explore degree programs in journalism, communications, environmental science, and related fields that prepare you for this rewarding profession.
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for writers and authors reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.
