What Are the Top-Paying Careers for Nature-Lovers?
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What Are the Top-Paying Careers for Nature-Lovers? Nature enthusiasts say that even a bad day outdoors is better than a good day indoors. Perhaps it’s an angler sitting and freezing in a boat all day when the rain doesn’t stop and the fish don’t bite. It could be a timber worker who spends a long, tiring day felling trees, or even National Park employees who have to clean up after messy visitors. Even when conditions aren’t ideal, some people simply prefer an occupation or lifestyle allowing them to avoid four walls and a ceiling.
What’s especially treasured is the freedom that being in nature represents. Some outdoor recreation fans will gladly spend summers as river guides and winters as ski instructors, even if they have to earn serious dough in between to make these dream jobs happen. Writers and philosophers wax poetic about the magic and majesty of nature, and being able to work outside is a worthy goal for several reasons.
Being outdoors isn’t just good for the spirit and soul: it can boost your physical health. Recent research shows that people who don’t get up and move regularly are more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, weight problems, and certain cancers and diseases, as well as being more prone to depression and anxiety. Less active seniors are also more at risk for falling or other injuries.
In comparison, getting outside regularly can have all sorts of benefits. While moving, exploring, and sensing one’s environment outdoors, people can enjoy the rush of endorphins, take in some vitamin D, and reap the benefits of other neurophysiological changes that can improve one’s overall disposition and outlook, as well as stimulate the healing of injuries.
A National Geographic article goes even further to suggest that not only is getting outdoors a good thing but being in nature is required to be happy. It featured author Florence Williams, who theorized that our brains physically need the connections outdoor spaces provide. This process not only feels good but helps remove internal contaminations from too much time indoors.
While most lucrative careers require workers to be office- or cubicle-bound, there’s a growing number of well-paying careers for outdoors enthusiasts. Read on to learn about the highest-paying careers for nature lovers in 2025.
2025 Most Lucrative Careers Outdoors
Please note that the following information is based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2024) and the Occupational Outlook Handbook (2024). The occupations are arranged by the highest average annual salary. These are the latest figures available as of May 2025
Architectural & Engineering Managers
A leadership role is often required to coordinate the activities of a research team in the fields of architecture and engineering management. These positions combine strong architectural/design skills with the ability to keep people on task, making sure they’re focusing on the correct objectives and locations.
In addition to being the point person on location, he or she also is responsible for planning and executing the trip, including allocating appropriate personnel and equipment. The duties also require analyzing gathered data and compiling conclusions once the expedition is complete.
- Architectural & Engineering Managers (210,340 employed in the U.S.):
| Architectural & Engineering Managers |
Number employed in the U.S. | 210,340 |
Average Annual Salary | $175,710 |
Hourly mean wage | $84.48 |
10th Percentile | $111,450 |
25th Percentile | $134,930 |
50th Percentile (Median) | $167,740 |
75th Percentile | $207,210 |
90th Percentile | equal to or greater than $239,200 |
Industry | Average Annual Salary |
Oil and Gas Extraction | $244,050 |
Textile Mills | $243,550 |
Credit Intermediation and Related Activities | $242,070 |
Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers | $236,020 |
Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks & Content Providers | $234,650 |
State | Average Annual Salary |
New Mexico | $209,730 |
California | $205,610 |
Arizona | $197,440 |
Washington | $195,150 |
Massachusetts | $194,040 |
- Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, adding 11,600 jobs (BLS 2025)
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, but most firms also prize a master’s degree in architecture and professional experience in the field
Marine Engineers & Naval Architects
Boat-building is as much of a skill as an art, and this position requires precise craftsmanship to create something seaworthy, plus a touch of style to make it memorable. Positions can be found with private companies or military/military contractors.
This career path requires a focus on quality that looks at the overall aesthetics and design of a vessel along with its internal structure, including propulsion, power, stability, and related components. The profession can also go beyond the basic drafting of plans in an office to actually testing it out at sea, lake, or other waterways.
- Marine Engineers & Naval Architects (8,440 employed in the U.S.):
| Marine Engineers & Naval Architects |
Number employed in the U.S. | 8,440 |
Average Annual Salary | $116,680 |
Hourly mean wage | $56.10 |
10th Percentile | $79,700 |
25th Percentile | $88,480 |
50th Percentile (Median) | $105,670 |
75th Percentile | $133,780 |
90th Percentile | $167,660 |
Industry | Average Annual Salary |
Management of Companies and Enterprises | $147,230 |
Computer Systems Design and Related Services | $137,730 |
Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation | $134,320 |
Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | $131,920 |
Federal Executive Branch | $129,630 |
State | Average Annual Salary |
District of Columbia | $160,330 |
Texas | $140,200 |
Maryland | $130,520 |
California | $119,930 |
South Carolina | $118,370 |
- Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, adding 800 jobs (BLS 2025)
- Requirements: At least a bachelor’s degree in an area such as naval architecture or marine engineering; a degree in other fields of engineering such as electrical or mechanical can also be useful
Geoscientists
As long as our economy relies on extracting materials from the earth, we’ll need people to figure out where to dig. Geoscientists study the planet’s surface and interior to learn about its features and recommend where to find valuable products like oil, gas, and minerals.
Though extraction companies always need assistance with research and recommendations of where to look, career options also include working with public agencies and private companies that study the earth for other features, everything from measuring geologic events to seismic activity within the earth and below the oceans. The amount of time outside varies, but fieldwork is often necessary, even if it’s in remote places.
- Geoscientists (22,510 employed in the U.S.):
| Geoscientists |
Number employed in the U.S. | 22,510 |
Average Annual Salary | $111,310 |
Hourly mean wage | $53.52 |
10th Percentile | $58,790 |
25th Percentile | $72,440 |
50th Percentile (Median) | $99,240 |
75th Percentile | $134,350 |
90th Percentile | $178,880 |
Industry | Average Annual Salary |
Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $227,020 |
Finance and Insurance | $213,910 |
Oil and Gas Extraction | $170,930 |
Management of Companies and Enterprises | $166,780 |
Manufacturing | $157,290 |
State | Average Annual Salary |
Texas | $157,370 |
Oklahoma | $121,650 |
California | $119,100 |
Rhode Island | $118,130 |
Alaska | $117,610 |
- Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, adding 1,400 jobs (BLS 2025)
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in earth/environmental sciences, master’s degree encouraged
Environmental Engineers
While environmental scientists (profiled below) are charged with investigating possible hazards in a community, environmental engineers do something about them. These professionals work with private companies or municipalities to design systems or processes to prevent environmental hazards or develop plans to reduce or remove ones that have already occurred. This can include site remediation, pollution control or waste treatment, or working with local, state, and national regulators on a clean-up.
Environmental engineers should be prepared for any working conditions, from offices and labs to natural job sites. For an outdoors fan, it can be enjoyable to figure out ways to mitigate environmental damage or keep it from happening.
- Environmental Engineers (37,950 employed in the U.S.):
| Environmental Engineers |
Number employed in the U.S. | 37,950 |
Average Annual Salary | $110,570 |
Hourly mean wage | $53.16 |
10th Percentile | $64,950 |
25th Percentile | $80,510 |
50th Percentile (Median) | $104,170 |
75th Percentile | $130,830 |
90th Percentile | $161,910 |
Industry | Average Annual Salary |
Oil and Gas Extraction | $146,770 |
Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil | $146,140 |
Nuclear Electric Power Generation | $138,720 |
Temporary Help Services | $133,850 |
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | $132,610 |
State | Average Annual Salary |
Oregon | $130,880 |
California | $127,730 |
Louisiana | $123,840 |
Illinois | $123,650 |
District of Columbia | $122,130 |
- Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, adding 2,900 jobs (BLS 2025)
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, or a related engineering field such as chemical, civil, or general engineering
Environmental Scientists & Specialists
This position requires a sense of curiosity plus a strong interest in science to investigate possible sources of pollution or environmental hazards that could affect human or animal populations or the environment. Public health departments, local governments, or private companies (e.g., railroads, and petroleum companies) concerned about their environmental footprint may use findings from scientists to create policies or change practices.
Environmental scientists collect evidence in the air, water, food supplies, or soil; study historical data; and make recommendations. The position includes work in a lab and office but can include visits to various sites of possible contaminants.
- Environmental Scientists & Specialists (84,930 employed in the U.S.):
| Environmental Scientists & Specialists |
Number employed in the U.S. | 84,930 |
Average Annual Salary | $88,640 |
Hourly mean wage | $42.62 |
10th Percentile | $50,130 |
25th Percentile | $62,090 |
50th Percentile (Median) | $80,060 |
75th Percentile | $103,730 |
90th Percentile | $134,830 |
Industry | Average Annual Salary |
Educational Services, Privately Owned | $179,030 |
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing | $159,550 |
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing | $150,120 |
Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods | $145,400 |
Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing | $140,970 |
State | Average Annual Salary |
District of Columbia | $127,360 |
California | $107,420 |
Massachusetts | $99,340 |
Georgia | $99,020 |
Illinois | $97,670 |
- Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, adding 6,100 jobs (BLS 2025)
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, physics, geoscience, or engineering plus professional experience
Landscape Architects
The field represents a perfect opportunity to get creative but still follow the technical specifications and wishes of a client for how to develop an outdoor space, whether it’s an individual, business, or municipality. Trained architects may be asked to come up with ideas to improve someone’s personal property or plan and design something impressive for buildings or public spaces.
Architects alternate between working on designs at an office and visiting suppliers or job sites to make sure plans become reality. They also may work with a team of employees and subcontractors.
- Landscape Architects (19,580 employed in the U.S.):
| Landscape Architects |
Number employed in the U.S. | 19,580 |
Average Annual Salary | $88,000 |
Hourly mean wage | $42.31 |
10th Percentile | $51,990 |
25th Percentile | $62,650 |
50th Percentile (Median) | $79,660 |
75th Percentile | $101,580 |
90th Percentile | $132,250 |
Industry | Average Annual Salary |
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $115,830 |
Management of Companies and Enterprises | $115,280 |
State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | $111,410 |
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding Schools, Hospitals, and the USPS | $109,950 |
State Government, including Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | $109,830 |
State | Average Annual Salary |
California | $111,440 |
New Jersey | $107,370 |
District of Columbia | $102,120 |
Florida | $96,030 |
New York | $95,690 |
- Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, adding 1,200 jobs (BLS 2025)
- Requirements: A degree in landscape architecture is a good foundation, but hands-on experience is vital, including internships; most commercial projects also require licenses from a particular state or industry association
Buyers & Purchasing Agents
Buyers and purchasing agents buy services and products for organizations to use or resell. They negotiate contracts, review the quality of products, and evaluate suppliers.
This occupation is responsible for arranging items for processing or resale, such as timber/tree farms, contractors, grain brokers/buyers, and tobacco products. Agents may conduct business from an office and visit sites to meet producers and look at crops.
- Buyers & Purchasing Agents (486,900 employed in the U.S.):
| Buyers & Purchasing Agents |
Number employed in the U.S. | 486,900 |
Average Annual Salary | $81,720 |
Hourly mean wage | $39.29 |
10th Percentile | $46,460 |
25th Percentile | $58,670 |
50th Percentile (Median) | $75,650 |
75th Percentile | $99,190 |
90th Percentile | $127,520 |
Industry | Average Annual Salary |
Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services | $132,380 |
Taxi and Limousine Service | $129,370 |
Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $124,290 |
Oil and Gas Extraction | $122,920 |
Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil | $118,270 |
State | Average Annual Salary |
District of Columbia | $117,740 |
New Jersey | $95,490 |
Maryland | $94,420 |
Virginia | $92,180 |
Massachusetts | $90,050 |
- Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, adding 37,200 jobs (BLS 2025)
- Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agricultural production, animal science, or a business/commodity field, along with farming experience is recommended
Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists
A significant component of this occupation includes evaluating animal populations and wildlife systems. This task can require fieldwork such as the collection, observation, and analysis of the habitats of specific animals or larger groups.
Private companies or public land use agencies may ask a biologist or zoologist to determine the possible impact on wildlife populations and waterways from different policies or practices. Opportunities are high for fieldwork but may include long hours of observation, and sometimes tracking certain animals.
- Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists (16,920 employed in the U.S.):
| Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists |
Number employed in the U.S. | 16,920 |
Average Annual Salary | $77,920 |
Hourly mean wage | $37.46 |
10th Percentile | $48,240 |
25th Percentile | $58,360 |
50th Percentile (Median) | $72,860 |
75th Percentile | $90,590 |
90th Percentile | $113,350 |
Industry | Average Annual Salary |
Engineering Services | $102,060 |
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | $101,940 |
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) | $99,190 |
Scientific Research and Development Services | $83,280 |
Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences | $83,020 |
State | Average Annual Salary |
Massachusetts | $98,390 |
Rhode Island | $97,070 |
Maryland | $95,790 |
Mississippi | $94,330 |
California | $91,460 |
- Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, adding 800 jobs (BLS 2025)
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, especially in biology or zoology (master’s degree preferred), and a PhD is often required to lead research teams
Construction & Building Inspectors
Ironically, one effective way to avoid working in a building all day is by actually building one. The construction industry has plenty of areas that allow people to spend time outdoors. Perhaps nature purists may complain about the encroachment of structures and people into undeveloped spaces, but people who work in this field enjoy being able to work at a site, rather than being stuck in a cubicle.
Inspectors for certain municipalities or private companies can visit a variety of locations throughout their day to make sure that they are following correct standards and specifications, from local building codes to larger structural regulations. They can sign off or flag the project or focus on certain specific areas such as electrical or plumbing systems. The position requires familiarity with the construction process as well as engineering knowledge.
- Construction & Building Inspectors (137,210 employed in the U.S.):
| Construction & Building Inspectors |
Number employed in the U.S. | 137,210 |
Average Annual Salary | $76,430 |
Hourly mean wage | $36.75 |
10th Percentile | $46,560 |
25th Percentile | $57,300 |
50th Percentile (Median) | $72,120 |
75th Percentile | $92,330 |
90th Percentile | $112,320 |
Industry | Average Annual Salary |
Hydroelectric Power Generation | $132,250 |
Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution | $109,600 |
Natural Gas Distribution | $108,400 |
Land Subdivision | $108,400 |
Utilities | $107,740 |
State | Average Annual Salary |
California | $103,500 |
Alaska | $95,610 |
District of Columbia | $93,600 |
Connecticut | $91,780 |
Washington | $90,460 |
- Career Outlook: Employment is projected to show little or no change from 2023 to 2033 (BLS 2025)
- Requirements: Academic requirements are low (high school diploma), but professional experience is valuable; inspectors often must receive a license from a state or municipality
Conservation Scientists & Foresters
This position is in demand for public land agencies and private timber companies. It requires inventorying standing timber and making recommendations, including thinning selected trees, selling larger acreage, improving conditions, opening or closing access, or designating conservation areas. Along with focusing on timber health, foresters can look at a forest’s connections with soil, water, wetlands, and wildlife, plus compliance with environmental regulations.
Foresters can recommend which trees can be removed and new ones can be planted, which requires visiting forests and timber stands regularly. Conservation scientists and foresters can focus on other uses, including fire prevention or improving access to recreational activities.
- Conservation Scientists (25,590 employed in the U.S.):
| Conservation Scientists |
Number employed in the U.S. | 25,590 |
Average Annual Salary | $74,310 |
Hourly mean wage | $35.73 |
10th Percentile | $45,260 |
25th Percentile | $53,190 |
50th Percentile (Median) | $67,950 |
75th Percentile | $87,980 |
90th Percentile | $107,720 |
- Foresters (9,650 employed in the U.S.):
| Foresters |
Number employed in the U.S. | 9,650 |
Average Annual Salary | $74,670 |
Hourly mean wage | $35.90 |
10th Percentile | $49,240 |
25th Percentile | $58,810 |
50th Percentile (Median) | $70,660 |
75th Percentile | $85,450 |
90th Percentile | $103,220 |
- Conservation Scientists Top-paying industries:
Industry | Average Annual Salary |
Grantmaking and Giving Services | $114,360 |
Testing Laboratories and Services | $97,850 |
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) | $90,720 |
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | $86,180 |
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $86,040 |
- Forester Top-paying industries:
Industry | Average Annual Salary |
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods | $112,070 |
Natural Gas Distribution | $110,630 |
Hydroelectric Power Generation | $108,540 |
Wholesale Trade | $106,170 |
Utilities | $98,690 |
- Conservation Scientists Top-paying states:
State | Average Annual Salary |
Oregon | $90,780 |
California | $87,840 |
Alaska | $87,020 |
Connecticut | $84,920 |
Washington | $83,550 |
- Forester Top-paying states:
State | Average Annual Salary |
California | $101,700 |
District of Columbia | $85,780 |
Alaska | $83,480 |
New Hampshire | $82,470 |
Louisiana | $82,400 |
- Career Outlook: Employment for conservation scientists and foresters is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, adding 1900 jobs (BLS 2025)
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in forestry or related environmental science subject
Rachel Drummond, MEd
Writer Rachel Drummond is a freelance writer, educator, and yogini from Oregon. She’s taught English to international university students in the United States and Japan for more than a decade and has a master’s degree in education from the University of Oregon. A dedicated Ashtanga yoga practitioner, Rachel is interested in exploring the nuanced philosophical aspects of contemplative physical practices and how they apply in daily life. She writes about this topic among others on her blog (Instagram: @racheldrummondyoga).
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