What You Need to Know About Industrial Ecologist
Occupation Description Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
What Do Industrial Ecologists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Carry out environmental assessments in accordance with applicable standards, regulations, or laws.
- Develop or test protocols to monitor ecosystem components and ecological processes.
- Apply new or existing research about natural ecosystems to understand economic and industrial systems in the context of the environment.
- Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste management practices.
- Review research literature to maintain knowledge on topics related to industrial ecology, such as physical science, technology, economy, and public policy.
- Plan or conduct field research on topics such as industrial production, industrial ecology, population ecology, and environmental production or sustainability.
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What an Industrial Ecologist Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Industrial Ecologists say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Types of Industrial Ecologist Jobs
- Industrial Ecologist
- Sustainability Consultant
- Aquatic Ecologist
- Environmental Protection Specialist
- Industrial Retrofit Designer
Job Outlook for Industrial Ecologists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 89,500 jobs in the United States for Industrial Ecologist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 9,900 new jobs for Industrial Ecologist by 2026. There will be an estimated 9,500 positions for Industrial Ecologist per year.

The states with the most job growth for Industrial Ecologist are Utah, Nevada, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Industrial Ecologist Salary
Industrial Ecologists make between $42,520 and $124,620 a year.

Industrial Ecologists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.
How much do Industrial Ecologists make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $67,630 |
Alaska | $80,220 |
Arizona | $72,150 |
Arkansas | $58,540 |
California | $91,890 |
Colorado | $93,010 |
Connecticut | $83,220 |
Delaware | $59,890 |
District of Columbia | $115,190 |
Florida | $58,790 |
Georgia | $72,860 |
Hawaii | $69,780 |
Idaho | $60,470 |
Illinois | $78,640 |
Indiana | $62,590 |
Iowa | $74,140 |
Kansas | $76,780 |
Kentucky | $51,740 |
Louisiana | $68,570 |
Maine | $67,390 |
Maryland | $77,300 |
Massachusetts | $82,580 |
Michigan | $69,430 |
Minnesota | $74,880 |
Missouri | $53,820 |
Montana | $68,660 |
Nebraska | $61,020 |
Nevada | $63,920 |
New Hampshire | $75,520 |
New Jersey | $80,350 |
New Mexico | $87,200 |
New York | $79,340 |
North Carolina | $64,850 |
North Dakota | $72,860 |
Ohio | $74,750 |
Oklahoma | $65,490 |
Oregon | $77,980 |
Pennsylvania | $74,430 |
Rhode Island | $82,160 |
South Dakota | $61,250 |
Tennessee | $72,470 |
Texas | $80,880 |
Utah | $68,480 |
Vermont | $66,440 |
Virginia | $85,550 |
Washington | $85,090 |
West Virginia | $56,380 |
Wisconsin | $61,030 |
Wyoming | $68,940 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Industrial Ecologists
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Industrial Ecologists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Python
- Email software
- SAP
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- StataCorp Stata
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
- STATISTICA
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Online databases
How to Become an Industrial Ecologist
Education needed to be an Industrial Ecologist:

How Long Does it Take to Become an Industrial Ecologist?

Where Industrial Ecologists Work

Industrial Ecologists work in the following industries:

References:
Image Credit: Lynn Betts via Photo by Lynn Betts, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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