Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Conservation Scientist is a professional role in the Life, Physical, and Social Science job family, focused on Conservation Scientist work. Pay for this title reflects both its level and its scope; see our Title Level and Organization Responsibility guides for how WePayFairly defines them.
What Conservation Scientists do
Typical education: Bachelor's Degree
Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.
Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
Top skills:Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingWritingScience
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Conservation Scientist salary by industry
Federal, State, and Local Government, excl. State & Local Schools & Hospitals & USPS
17,530 workers
$80,500
Federal Government, including the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation)
6,970 workers
$96,000
Local Government, including Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
5,760 workers
$69,500
State Government, including Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
5,590 workers
$73,500
Other Services (except Public Administration)
5,360 workers
$76,500
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
1,430 workers
$84,000
Educational Services
840 workers
$80,500
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
470 workers
$65,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Conservation Scientist pays 20% below the average across 48 roles in the Life, Physical, and Social Science job family (family average $100,000).
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