What is an Industrial Ecologist?
Industrial Ecologist Job 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.
Daily Life Of an Industrial Ecologist
- Perform analyses to determine how human behavior can affect and be affected by changes in the environment.
- Identify or compare the component parts or relationships between the parts of industrial, social, and natural systems.
- Apply new or existing research about natural ecosystems to understand economic and industrial systems in the context of the environment.
- Perform environmentally extended input-output (EE I-O) analyses.
- Examine local, regional or global use and flow of materials or energy in industrial production processes.
- Plan or conduct field research on topics such as industrial production, industrial ecology, population ecology, and environmental production or sustainability.
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Qualities of an Industrial Ecologist
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
- Wildlife Biostation Research Ecologist
- Environmental Programs Manager
- Forest Ecologist
- Environmental Protection Specialist
- Aquatic Ecologist
Job Outlook for Industrial Ecologists
There were about 89,500 jobs for Industrial Ecologist in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 9,500 yearly job openings in this field.

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
The average yearly salary of an Industrial Ecologist ranges between $42,520 and $124,620.

Industrial Ecologists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.
How much do Industrial Ecologists make in different U.S. states?
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 |
What Tools do Industrial Ecologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Industrial Ecologists may use on a daily basis:
- 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
Becoming an Industrial Ecologist
What kind of Industrial Ecologist requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become an Industrial Ecologist?

Where do Industrial Ecologists Work?

Below are examples of industries where Industrial Ecologists work:

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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