New York offers comprehensive environmental science programs from bachelor's to doctoral levels at top institutions including NYU, Cornell, and SUNY schools. Environmental scientists in New York earn an average annual salary of $86,530, above the national median. The field projects 6% growth through 2032, with approximately 220 annual job openings statewide.
New York City's aggressive sustainability goals-including an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050-have created significant career opportunities for environmental professionals. The state's diverse environmental challenges, from urban air quality to Adirondack wilderness management, require skilled scientists across multiple specializations.
Environmental Science Career Opportunities in New York
New York's environmental sector spans government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private consulting firms. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation employs environmental scientists in roles ranging from water quality monitoring to wildlife management and forest ranger positions across the state's parks and protected lands.
Environmental Advocates of New York, a nonprofit established in 1969, has influenced major environmental legislation, including the state's bottle deposit law, the first acid rain law, and the Hudson River Estuary Management Act. Organizations like this create opportunities for endangered species conservation work, policy analysis, and public education.
Private sector opportunities exist with environmental consulting firms such as AECOM, Tetra Tech, and GRB Environmental Services. These firms work with clients, including the New York State DOT, the NYC Department of Transportation, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, on projects involving site remediation, environmental impact assessments, and compliance monitoring.
Career pathways include environmental consultants, sustainability coordinators, remediation specialists, water quality analysts, air quality technicians, and fisheries biology roles focused on the state's lakes, rivers, and coastal ecosystems.
According to 2024 BLS data, environmental scientists and specialists in New York earn an average annual salary of $86,530. Entry-level positions typically start around $55,270, while experienced professionals with advanced degrees can earn upwards of $127,800 annually, particularly in consulting roles in the NYC metropolitan area.
Choosing Your Environmental Science Program in New York
New York institutions offer environmental science programs suited to different career goals and educational backgrounds. Understanding the distinctions between degree levels helps you select the right path.
| Degree Level | Typical Duration | Career Focus | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (BS/BA) | 4 years full-time | Entry-level field technician, lab analyst, research assistant positions | $45,000-$65,000 |
| Master's (MS) | 2 years full-time | Project management, specialized consulting, policy analysis, senior research roles | $70,000-$100,000 |
| Doctoral (PhD) | 4-6 years | University faculty, principal investigator, senior government scientist, research director | $90,000-$140,000+ |
Bachelor's Programs in Environmental Science
The University at Albany offers a BS in Environmental Science with concentrations in ecosystems, climate change, geography, or sustainability science and policy. The program includes internship opportunities with environmental consulting firms and local, state, or federal agencies, providing practical experience before graduation.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse provides specialized undergraduate programs that combine classroom learning with hands-on field research across New York's diverse ecosystems. Students gain experience in forest management, wildlife ecology, water resources, and conservation biology.
Master's Programs in Environmental Science
NYU's School of Engineering offers an MS in Environmental Science focused on contamination remediation, natural and urban environmental systems management, water and energy supply chains, and urban watershed studies. The program combines rigorous coursework with research opportunities in one of the nation's largest metropolitan areas.
Pace University's MS in Environmental Science conducts research initiatives locally and globally, allowing students to engage with real-world environmental challenges while developing advanced technical and analytical skills.
Master's programs typically require a research thesis or capstone project, providing portfolio-ready work for career advancement.
Online and Hybrid Environmental Science Programs
For students balancing work and education, Long Island University - Post offers an MS in Environmental Sustainability that delivers up to half of its courses online, combining flexibility with hands-on laboratory and field components completed on campus.
Hybrid programs allow working professionals to advance their credentials while maintaining employment, though students should verify which courses require in-person attendance when planning their schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with an environmental science degree in New York?
Environmental science graduates in New York work as environmental consultants, sustainability coordinators, water quality analysts, wildlife biologists, forest rangers, remediation specialists, and policy analysts. Opportunities exist across government agencies (such as the DEC), nonprofits focused on conservation and advocacy, and private consulting firms serving clients in the construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors.
How much do environmental scientists make in New York?
Environmental scientists in New York earn an average annual salary of $86,530 according to 2024 BLS data. Entry-level positions start around $55,270, mid-career professionals earn $70,000-$90,000, and experienced scientists with advanced degrees can earn over $127,800, particularly in NYC consulting roles. Salaries vary based on location, specialization, education level, and employer type.
What are the best environmental science schools in New York?
Top programs include NYU's School of Engineering, Cornell University, Columbia University, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, University at Albany, and Pace University. Program quality depends on your specific interests-some schools excel in urban environmental systems, others in ecology and natural resource management. Consider factors like research opportunities, faculty expertise in your area of interest, internship connections, and program accreditation.
Can I study environmental science online in New York?
Yes, several New York institutions offer online or hybrid environmental science programs. Long Island University - Post's MS in Environmental Sustainability delivers up to 50% of coursework online. However, most programs require some in-person components for laboratory work, fieldwork, or research projects, as hands-on experience is central to environmental science training.
What's the job outlook for environmental scientists in New York?
The environmental science field projects 6% national growth through 2032, with similar trends in New York creating approximately 220 annual job openings statewide. NYC's sustainability initiatives and aging infrastructure requiring remediation work drive demand, as do state-level climate adaptation programs. Job prospects are strongest for candidates with master's degrees, GIS skills, and specialized knowledge in areas like water resources or contaminated site assessment.
Key Takeaways
- Competitive Compensation: New York environmental scientists earn an average annual salary of $86,530, with entry-level positions starting around $55,270 and experienced professionals earning over $127,800 in consulting and research roles.
- Growing Job Market: The field projects 6% national employment growth through 2032, with approximately 220 annual openings statewide driven by NYC sustainability initiatives and infrastructure needs.
- Diverse Program Options: New York offers bachelor's through doctoral programs at institutions like NYU, Cornell, SUNY schools, and Pace University, with specializations ranging from urban systems to natural resource management.
- Multiple Career Pathways: Opportunities span government agencies (DEC, EPA), nonprofit conservation organizations, and private consulting firms, with roles including field scientists, policy analysts, sustainability coordinators, and remediation specialists.
- Flexible Learning Options: Hybrid and online programs accommodate working professionals, though most environmental science programs require some hands-on laboratory and fieldwork components for comprehensive training.
Ready to start your environmental science journey in New York? Explore degree programs that align with your career goals and environmental interests.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for Environmental Scientists and Specialists reflect state-wide estimates across all industries and employment sectors, not school-specific or program-specific outcomes. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.
