Missouri offers environmental science programs from bachelor's through doctoral levels at institutions including Missouri State University, Washington University in St. Louis, and Missouri University of Science and Technology. Environmental scientists in Missouri earn an average annual salary of $70,480, below the national average of $88,640. The field is projected to grow 11.6% through 2032, with employment increasing from 430 to 480 positions.
Missouri's diverse environment - from the Ozarks' forested highlands to the Mississippi River floodplains - creates unique opportunities for environmental scientists. Whether you're passionate about conservation, agricultural sustainability, or environmental health, Missouri's universities offer comprehensive environmental science programs to prepare you for meaningful careers protecting the state's 6,000+ caves, rivers, and natural resources.
Before we were the Show Me State, Missouri was widely known as the Cave State. With more than 6,000 caves riddling the karst region in the southern part of the state, we're a significant destination for spelunkers from around the world. It's not just recreation - timber, mineral, and agricultural resources abound and power Missouri industry.
We've been fortunate to avoid some significant environmental challenges other states have faced. Still, coping with extreme weather and the effects of climate-driven drought and flooding will demand first-rate environmental science talent. Missouri is growing that talent right here at home.
What Can I Do with an Environmental Science Degree in Missouri
In the public sector, Missouri's Department of Natural Resources consistently hires environmental scientists and technicians to maintain and administer state resources and to enforce regulations. For those interested in outdoor conservation work, consider exploring park ranger careers, which offer similar opportunities to protect resources across Missouri's extensive state park system.
Missouri also offers substantial opportunities in the private sector. Bayer's Crop Science division, formerly Monsanto, is based in Creve Coeur and needs a steady stream of top talent in biotechnology and soil science. Major international environmental engineering consultancies, such as Golder, with an office in Ballwin, require environmental expertise across sustainability consulting, remediation, and compliance.
Beyond traditional roles, Missouri's growing focus on environmental health creates opportunities in specialized fields, such as environmental health, where professionals assess workplace safety, develop health programs, and ensure regulatory compliance across industrial and agricultural operations.
Career Outlook & Job Growth in Missouri
Missouri's environmental science sector is experiencing steady growth, driven by the state's diverse natural resources and expanding regulatory needs. According to state projections, environmental science positions will grow from 430 in 2022 to 480 by 2032, representing an 11.6% increase.
This growth translates into approximately 40 annual job openings across Missouri, reflecting both new positions and replacement needs as professionals retire or transition careers. According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 430 environmental scientists are employed in Missouri across public agencies, private consulting firms, agricultural research organizations, and industrial compliance departments.
The demand is robust in:
- Agricultural Research: Supporting Missouri's significant crop science and biotechnology sector, particularly around the St. Louis metro area
- Conservation Management: Protecting the state's 6,000+ caves, forests, and waterways through state and federal agencies
- Environmental Compliance: Ensuring regulatory adherence in industrial and agricultural operations statewide
- Climate Adaptation: Addressing drought and flooding challenges driven by climate change, mainly affecting Missouri's agricultural communities
Environmental Scientist Salaries in Missouri
According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, environmental scientists in Missouri earn an average annual salary of $70,480, which is $18,160 below the national average of $88,640. This difference reflects Missouri's lower cost of living compared to coastal states, though opportunities for strong earnings still exist.
Here's the salary breakdown by experience level:
| Experience Level | Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 10th Percentile | $48,950 |
| Early Career | 25th Percentile | $55,560 |
| Mid-Career | Median (50th) | $67,190 |
| Experienced | 75th Percentile | $80,710 |
| Senior/Specialized | 90th Percentile | $95,610 |
Geographic location matters - environmental scientists in the St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas typically command higher salaries than those in rural regions. Senior professionals with specialized expertise in soil science, agricultural biotechnology, or environmental engineering can reach the upper salary ranges or exceed them with advanced certifications and extensive experience.
Master's in Environmental Science in Missouri
Missouri offers at least 5 universities with master's programs in environmental sciences, giving you multiple options to find a program that fits your goals and aspirations.
One of the most flexible programs you'll find is at Missouri State University. At the William H. Darr College of Agriculture, you'll find master's degrees in Natural and Applied Science and in Plant Science that have both dual-degree and accelerated options. Any undergraduate at the university studying agriculture, biology, or chemistry has the option of completing their master's in one of these programs with only a single additional year of schooling, getting you out into the real world and on to real solutions that much faster.
For a highly respected program in environmental science, look to Washington University in St. Louis. The private research university offers an integrated graduate program in plant and microbial biosciences that leverages expert faculty and exceptional lab facilities. The program allows you to develop expertise in specialized subjects such as prokaryotes and eukaryotic microbes, with research opportunities that contribute to peer-reviewed publications and professional conference presentations.
Bachelor's in Environmental Science in Missouri
Before you can take advantage of the excellent master's programs available in the state, you'll need to get an appropriate undergraduate degree. Most schools with a solid master's program also offer quality bachelor's programs, and, as at Missouri State University, the integration between undergraduate and graduate programs can be a significant advantage.
There are other options if you want a more diverse undergraduate experience or plan to take your bachelor's degree and get right to work in the field. At Southeast Missouri State University, the environmental science major includes focus options in biology, chemistry, business, policy and communication, geoprocessing and soils, or environmental health. This flexibility allows you to tailor your degree to match specific career interests, whether you're drawn to fieldwork, laboratory analysis, or policy development.
In Fulton, you can check out Westminster College's environmental science or environmental studies majors. Each program combines academic rigor with real-world experience through field trips and internships that provide firsthand experience and professional contacts to help you get your foot in the door after graduation. While Missouri is a great place to get outdoors, Westminster doesn't stop there. Some experiences can take you to national parks around the U.S. or even Costa Rica, exposing you to diverse ecosystems and environmental challenges.
Environmental science integrates knowledge from multiple disciplines, including geology and climatology, to address complex environmental challenges. Missouri's programs emphasize this interdisciplinary approach, preparing you to think critically about problems that span scientific, social, and policy domains.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Goals
Each Missouri institution offers distinct advantages depending on your educational goals and career aspirations. Here's a comparison of key program features:
| University | Degree Levels | Unique Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington University in St. Louis | Master's, PhD | Highly respected program, expert faculty, advanced research facilities, peer-reviewed publication opportunities | Students pursuing research careers or doctoral studies |
| Missouri State University | Bachelor's, Master's | Accelerated programs (complete master's in one extra year), dual-degree options, sand a trong agriculture focus | Undergrads who want a seamless transition to graduate school |
| Southeast Missouri State University | Bachelor's | Six focus area options (biology, chemistry, business, policy, geoprocessing/soils, environmental health) | Students who want specialized undergraduate training |
| Westminster College | Bachelor's | Field trips to U.S. national parks and Costa Rica, extensive internship network, and hands-on learning | Students who learn best through experiential education |
| Missouri S&T | Master's (Online) | Fully online environmental engineering degree, flexible scheduling, industry-professional friendly | Working professionals or those needing schedule flexibility |
Online Environmental Science Degree Options from Schools in Missouri
Online degree programs are increasingly popular in higher education, but finding quality options in the environmental sciences can be challenging. In Missouri, we have an excellent solution through the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla.
The school's Distance and Continuing Education department offers a master of Science in Environmental Engineering degree that works equally well for recent graduates and experienced industry professionals seeking to bolster their credentials with an advanced degree. With the convenience of attending classes when and where it's easiest for you, you can get an education in natural and engineered environmental systems that will leave you fully equipped to deal with the modern challenges of development and climate change across the environmental spectrum.
The online format doesn't compromise academic rigor - you'll engage with the same faculty, curriculum, and standards as on-campus students, while gaining flexibility to balance your education with work and personal commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for environmental scientists in Missouri?
Environmental scientists in Missouri earn an average annual salary of $70,480 according to May 2024 BLS data. Entry-level positions start around $48,950, while experienced professionals in specialized roles can earn up to $95,610. These figures are below the national average of $88,640 but reflect Missouri's lower cost of living.
How many environmental science jobs are available in Missouri?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 430 environmental scientists are currently employed in Missouri. The field is projected to grow to 480 positions by 2032, representing an 11.6% growth rate. This creates approximately 40 annual job openings when combining new positions with replacement needs.
What are the best environmental science programs in Missouri?
Highly respected programs include Washington University in St. Louis (offering integrated graduate programs in plant and microbial biosciences), Missouri State University (offering accelerated master's options that add only one year beyond a bachelor's degree), and Missouri University of Science and Technology (fully online master's degree in environmental engineering).
Can I study environmental science online in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri University of Science and Technology offers a fully online master of Science in Environmental Engineering degree through its Distance and Continuing Education department. The program accommodates both recent graduates and working professionals seeking flexible scheduling while maintaining the same academic rigor as on-campus programs.
What industries hire environmental scientists in Missouri?
Major employers include the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (state regulation and conservation), Bayer's Crop Science division (agricultural biotechnology and soil science), international environmental consultancies like Golder (remediation and compliance), agricultural research organizations, and industrial facilities requiring environmental compliance expertise.
Key Takeaways
- Competitive Salaries: Environmental scientists in Missouri earn an average of $70,480 annually, with senior professionals reaching $95,610 or more in specialized roles. While below the national average, salaries reflect Missouri's lower cost of living.
- Growing Opportunities: Missouri's environmental science sector will increase from 430 positions in 2022 to 480 by 2032 (11.6%), creating approximately 40 annual openings for environmental science professionals across public agencies, private consulting firms, and agricultural research organizations.
- Diverse Program Options: From Missouri State's accelerated master's programs to Washington University's highly respected research programs and Missouri S&T's fully online degrees, students have flexible pathways at every level and learning format.
- Strong Industry Presence: Missouri's agriculture, natural resources, and environmental consulting sectors provide robust career opportunities with major employers like Bayer Crop Science and the state Department of Natural Resources actively hiring.
- Specialization Advantages: Programs offer focus areas in soil science, biotechnology, conservation, environmental health, and environmental engineering, aligning with Missouri's timber, mineral, and agricultural industries for targeted career preparation.
Ready to start your environmental science journey in Missouri? Explore degree programs that align with your career goals and Missouri's unique environmental challenges.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for Environmental Scientists and Specialists reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.
