North Dakota offers environmental science programs from bachelor's through master's levels at three institutions: University of North Dakota, Valley City State University, and North Dakota State University. Environmental scientists in the state earn an average of $79,270 annually, slightly below the national average of $88,640. The field is projected to grow 4.8% through 2032, creating approximately 20 annual openings. North Dakota's unique environmental challenges-from natural gas flaring to Great Plains conservation-provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities.
Long considered the birthplace of American conservation, North Dakota is where Theodore Roosevelt fell in love with the badlands, where the magnificent American bison roam, and where the Great Plains stretch as far as the eye can see. If you live here, it's paradise; if you visit, you'll never forget it.
But in recent years, the allure of this Midwestern state has taken an about-face, garnering attention from the world for what lurks below its picturesque vistas - natural gas. Tapping into this state's most valuable natural resource has resulted in record profits for the oil and gas industry and outstanding opportunities for the people who live here.
But for environmentalists, fracking in North Dakota's Bakken Shale comes with its share of concerns; mainly, the burning off of natural gas, called flaring. This process creates emissions of carbon dioxide and methane-the perfect recipe for global warming. Recent numbers reveal that North Dakota is now flaring the most gas in the nation.
Examining the consequences of flaring on North Dakota's environment and analyzing the effectiveness of resource management initiatives to curb flaring are just two of the topics studied by environmental scientists in North Dakota.
Armed with the right education, you can pursue a career in environmental science and serve as a scientist, researcher, and advocate, tackling North Dakota's most pressing environmental issues.
Why Study Environmental Science in North Dakota?
Unique Environmental Challenges
North Dakota presents a fascinating laboratory for environmental scientists. The state's energy boom has created complex challenges around natural gas flaring and industrial emissions that require innovative solutions. Environmental toxicologists studying industrial impacts work alongside policy experts to balance economic development with environmental protection.
Beyond energy, North Dakota's vast agricultural operations shape the Great Plains ecosystem. From soil conservation to water quality management, agricultural engineers, balancing farming practices with environmental protection, address challenges unique to this region. The state's native prairies, once covering 60 million acres, now occupy less than 5% of their original range-making conservation biology work critically important.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the state's conservation heritage continue to inspire new generations of environmental professionals. Park rangers protecting North Dakota's badlands and prairies carry forward Roosevelt's vision while addressing modern challenges like invasive species and climate adaptation.
Career Opportunities in the Region
North Dakota's environmental challenges translate directly into career opportunities. The state's relatively small population means environmental scientists often work across multiple domains-consulting one day, conducting field research the next. This variety provides early-career professionals with broad experience that would take years to accumulate in larger states.
The creation of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in 2019 has streamlined environmental oversight and expanded opportunities for scientists working in regulatory roles. Federal agencies, including the EPA, USDA, and Fish & Wildlife Service, maintain active presences throughout the state, particularly in areas adjacent to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the numerous national wildlife refuges.
Private sector opportunities have grown alongside the energy industry, with environmental consulting firms ensuring compliance and sustainable practices. The agricultural sector continues to seek professionals who understand both production goals and environmental stewardship.
Environmental Scientist Salary in North Dakota
Environmental scientists in North Dakota earn an average annual salary of $79,270, according to May 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While this falls slightly below the national average of $88,640, it's important to consider North Dakota's significantly lower cost of living-your salary often goes further here than it would in coastal states.
The state currently employs approximately 230 environmental scientists across government agencies, consulting firms, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Here's how North Dakota salaries compare to national figures:
| Salary Measure | North Dakota | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Annual Salary | $79,270 | $88,640 |
| Median Annual Salary | $81,260 | $80,060 |
| 10th Percentile | $49,940 | $50,130 |
| 90th Percentile | $103,190 | $134,830 |
| Total Employment | 230 | 84,930 |
Interestingly, North Dakota's median salary ($81,260) actually exceeds the national median ($80,060), suggesting that mid-career professionals in the state earn competitive wages. However, the state's 90th percentile tops out lower than the national figure, reflecting fewer high-paying senior positions compared to larger job markets.
Job Outlook & Career Growth in North Dakota
The employment outlook for environmental scientists in North Dakota shows steady, moderate growth. According to state labor projections, the field is expected to grow 4.8% between 2022 and 2032, adding approximately 10 new positions. This growth rate translates to roughly 20 annual job openings when you factor in replacement needs from retirements and career changes.
What does 4.8% growth mean for you? It indicates a stable but competitive field. North Dakota isn't experiencing explosive growth in environmental science positions like some rapidly urbanizing states, but the work remains consistent and essential. Energy sector projects, agricultural innovation, and ongoing conservation efforts ensure continued demand for qualified professionals.
The relatively modest number of annual openings (around 20 per year) means that networking, internships, and building relationships during your degree program become especially important. Students who connect with agencies like the DEQ, consulting firms, or conservation organizations during their education often have an advantage when positions open up.
Compared to the national employment growth projections for environmental scientists, North Dakota's 4.8% growth is moderate but sustainable. The state's small overall population means even modest percentage growth represents meaningful career opportunities for graduates willing to work in rural or small-city environments.
Bachelor's Degrees in Environmental Science in North Dakota
Two colleges in North Dakota offer undergraduate degrees in environmental science, providing solid foundations for careers or graduate study.
The University of North Dakota offers both a BS and a BA in Environmental Studies in Grand Forks. The program allows students to explore environmental issues from multiple perspectives-scientific, social, and policy-oriented. UND's location provides access to both prairie ecosystems and the nearby Red River watershed, offering hands-on learning opportunities in diverse environments.
Valley City State University offers a BS in Environmental Science that combines biology, chemistry, and earth sciences with practical fieldwork. The program's smaller size means more individualized attention and direct faculty mentorship. Students gain experience with environmental monitoring, data collection, and analysis-skills that translate directly to entry-level positions.
Both programs prepare students for careers in government agencies, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations, or provide the foundation needed for graduate study. If you're considering programs in neighboring states, Montana's environmental science programs and Wyoming environmental science degrees offer similar Great Plains and energy state contexts.
Master's Degrees in Environmental Science in North Dakota
For students seeking advanced training and specialization, North Dakota State University in Fargo offers an MS in Environmental and Conservation Sciences with three distinct tracks designed to match your career goals:
Environmental Science Track: This track focuses on technical research and scientific investigation. You'll develop advanced skills in environmental monitoring, data analysis, and laboratory techniques. It's ideal for students planning careers in research labs, consulting firms, or government agencies where technical expertise drives decision-making.
Conservation Biology Track: If you're passionate about ecosystem management and wildlife conservation, this track emphasizes ecological principles and biodiversity protection. Students work on projects related to habitat restoration, species management, and landscape ecology-particularly relevant given North Dakota's prairie conservation challenges and wildlife management needs.
Environmental Social Sciences Track: This unique track sits at the intersection of environmental science and human behavior, focusing on policy, community engagement, and environmental justice. It's perfect for students who want to work in environmental policy and planning careers, nonprofit advocacy, or as environmental lawyers specializing in natural resource policy.
The program's flexibility lets you customize your degree to match your professional trajectory, whether you're headed to a government laboratory, a consulting firm, or a conservation organization. The interdisciplinary approach reflects the reality of modern environmental work-you rarely operate in just one domain.
Career Paths with an Environmental Science Degree in North Dakota
Government Agencies
North Dakota's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) represents the state's primary employer for environmental scientists working in regulatory roles. Created in 2019, the DEQ consolidated environmental protection programs under one agency, making it easier for professionals to work across air quality, water resources, and waste management divisions.
Federal agencies maintain significant operations throughout the state. The EPA conducts compliance monitoring and remediation work, particularly around legacy contamination sites. The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service works extensively with agricultural operations on soil health and water quality. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service manages numerous national wildlife refuges across North Dakota's prairies, employing biologists, ecologists, and land managers.
State parks and wildlife management areas also provide opportunities for environmental scientists, particularly those interested in outdoor recreation management and habitat conservation.
Private Industry & Consulting
North Dakota's energy sector has created steady demand for environmental consultants who ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Firms like SWCA Environmental Consultants and Badlands Environmental Consultants Inc. help oil and gas companies, agricultural operations, and infrastructure projects navigate environmental requirements.
The agricultural industry-still North Dakota's economic foundation alongside energy-increasingly seeks professionals who understand sustainable farming practices, soil conservation, and water resource management. Careers in agriculture and forestry often blend traditional production knowledge with modern environmental science.
Consulting work in North Dakota tends to be diverse and project-based. You might conduct environmental impact assessments one month and develop remediation plans the next. This variety builds broad skillsets quickly but requires adaptability and strong problem-solving abilities.
Nonprofit Conservation Organizations
The Nature Conservancy has worked in North Dakota for more than 37 years, protecting critical habitats like the Davis Ranch, Pigeon Point Preserve, and Cross Ranch Preserve. These organizations employ field scientists, land managers, and conservation planners who work directly on habitat restoration and species protection.
Land trusts, watershed councils, and regional conservation groups provide additional opportunities for scientists passionate about hands-on conservation work. These positions often involve community outreach and landowner partnerships-the environmental social sciences track at NDSU prepares students particularly well for this type of work.
While nonprofit positions may offer lower starting salaries than government or consulting roles, they provide deep satisfaction for professionals motivated primarily by conservation outcomes rather than compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for environmental scientists in North Dakota?
Environmental scientists in North Dakota earn an average annual salary of $79,270, based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The median salary is $81,260, which actually exceeds the national median of $80,060. While these figures fall slightly below the national average of $88,640, North Dakota's significantly lower cost of living means your salary often provides comparable or better purchasing power than higher wages in expensive coastal markets.
What environmental issues is North Dakota currently facing?
North Dakota faces several significant environmental challenges that drive research and career opportunities. Natural gas flaring from the Bakken Shale development remains a top concern, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Agricultural runoff affects water quality in rivers and streams across the state's farming regions. Native prairie conservation is critical-less than 5% of North Dakota's original 60 million acres of prairie remain intact. These challenges require environmental scientists who can balance economic development with ecosystem protection.
Can I study environmental science online in North Dakota?
Currently, North Dakota's environmental science programs are primarily campus-based, reflecting the field's emphasis on laboratory work, field research, and hands-on learning. UND, Valley City State, and NDSU all offer in-person programs that include fieldwork in North Dakota's diverse ecosystems. However, if you need online flexibility, you can explore environmental science programs nationwide that offer online master's degrees with optional residency requirements for field components.
What's the job outlook for environmental scientists in North Dakota?
North Dakota projects 4.8% employment growth for environmental scientists between 2022 and 2032, adding approximately 10 new positions. When you include retirements and career changes, this creates roughly 20 annual job openings statewide. This represents stable but competitive growth-not explosive expansion. Students who build networks through internships, connect with agencies like the DEQ, and demonstrate strong fieldwork skills position themselves best for these opportunities.
Which environmental science careers pay the most in North Dakota?
The highest-paid environmental scientists in North Dakota (90th percentile) earn approximately $103,190 annually. These top earners typically hold senior positions in government agencies, lead consulting projects, or possess specialized expertise in high-demand areas like environmental toxicology, industrial compliance, or restoration ecology. Building expertise in emerging areas like renewable energy assessment or agricultural sustainability can also command premium compensation as industries adapt to changing environmental regulations and practices.
Key Takeaways
- Competitive Median Salary: North Dakota environmental scientists earn a median salary of $81,260, exceeding the national median of $80,060, with lower cost of living amplifying purchasing power.
- Steady Career Growth: The field projects 4.8% growth through 2032, creating approximately 20 annual job openings when including replacement needs-stable but requiring proactive networking and skill development.
- Three Quality Programs: Choose from bachelor's programs at UND (BS/BA Environmental Studies) and Valley City State (BS Environmental Science), or NDSU's master's program with three specialized tracks tailored to different career paths.
- Unique Learning Opportunities: North Dakota's environmental challenges-natural gas flaring, agricultural sustainability, and prairie conservation-provide hands-on research experiences you can't find elsewhere.
- Conservation Legacy: Theodore Roosevelt's conservation heritage continues through state parks, wildlife refuges, and active conservation organizations, creating a strong professional network for environmental scientists passionate about protecting Great Plains ecosystems.
Ready to start your environmental science journey in North Dakota? Explore degree programs that align with your career goals and conservation interests.
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. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Environmental Scientists and Specialists.
