There are several requirements to become an environmental science professor. To work at a four-year college or university, you usually need a PhD in your field. Doctoral degrees in physical geography and environmental science are ideal, but some schools may accept a candidate with a master’s degree who has conducted exceptional research. Other qualifications include a history of published research and excellent teaching and management skills. Typically, to become a full-time professor, you must first spend significant time as a teacher, adjunct professor, or lecturer. You will need extensive knowledge of various science subjects, including biology, chemistry, and physics.

If you are interested in a job related to Environmental Science Professor, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Environmental Science Professor Jobs

List of the top 8 highest paying Environmental Science Professor positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Environmental Scientist
Salary range: $75,000 - $98,500
Environmental scientists conduct research designed to recognize hazardous conditions that affect the environment or public health, such as pollution or water contamination, and suggest ways to control or remove them. This research generally involves collecting and analyzing various environmental samples, examining published data from other scientists, and exploring connections between the results and human activity. Environmental scientists need to be excellent communicators and writers, preparing reports, research papers, and presentations that demonstrate and defend their findings.
Environmental Science
Salary range: $75,000 - $98,500
Environmental Science is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Environmental Science jobs pay between $75,000 (25th percentile) and $98,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Environmental Science job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Coastal Environmental Science
Salary range: $75,000 - $98,500
Coastal Environmental Science is a typical job search query Most salaries for Coastal Environmental Science jobs pay between $75,000 (25th percentile) and $98,500 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Coastal Environmental Science job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Assistant Professor Of Environmental Science
Salary range: $157,000 - $171,000
Assistant Professor Of Environmental Science is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Assistant Professor Of Environmental Science jobs pay between $157,000 (25th percentile) and $171,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Assistant Professor Of Environmental Science job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Professor Sustainability
Salary range: $60,000 - $91,500
Professor Sustainability is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Professor Sustainability jobs pay between $60,000 (25th percentile) and $91,500 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Professor Sustainability job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Environmental Science Teacher
Salary range: $48,000 - $62,000
Environmental Science Teacher is a common job search query. Most salaries for Environmental Science Teacher jobs pay between $48,000 (25th percentile) and $62,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Environmental Science Teacher job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Ecology Professor
Salary range: $60,000 - $91,500
Ecology Professor is a typical job search query Most salaries for Ecology Professor jobs pay between $60,000 (25th percentile) and $91,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Ecology Professor job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Environmental Science Online Instructor
Salary range: $102,000 - $102,000
Environmental Science Online Instructor is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Environmental Science Online Instructor jobs pay between $102,000 (25th percentile) and $102,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Environmental Science Online Instructor job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

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