Ecology graduates earn $48,842 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,007 and $64,274. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
Ecology is a focused area of study within Biology. Graduates typically earn around $48,842 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 352 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 9,123 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$29,460
Median Earnings · 4yr
$48,842
Colleges Offering
352
Graduates / Year
9,123
Avg Net Price / yr
$19,223
How Much Do Ecology Graduates Earn?
Ecology graduates earn $48,842 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,007 and $64,274. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $29,460 climbs to $48,842 by year four.
$29,460
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$48,842
4-Year National Median
Below average for bachelor's degree holders.
$50,106
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Ecology graduates. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.
$36,00725th pct.
$48,842Median
$64,27475th pct.
Understanding the Cost vs. Return
At median 4-year earnings of $48,842 and an estimated $76,892 four-year net cost, earnings breakeven against a baseline wage takes approximately 4.1 years. Compare specific programs before committing to a high-cost option.
Based on outcomes from 270 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 9,123 students who complete Ecology programs each year, the majority (49%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
49%36%
Bachelor's49%
Master's36%
Doctorate11%
What Can You Do With an Ecology Degree?
Ecology connects to 8 occupations in the job market. Natural Sciences Managers leads at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
MathematicsMathematicsComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingReading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities
Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.
Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
Doctoral or professional degree9,600 openings/yr172K employed nationally
WritingActive LearningScienceSpeakingJudgment and Decision Making
Day-to-day responsibilities
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.
Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
Complex Problem SolvingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingScience
Day-to-day responsibilities
Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.
Communicate research findings on various types of diseases to health practitioners, policy makers, and the public.
Oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement.
Investigate diseases or parasites to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission.
Complex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeaking
Day-to-day responsibilities
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
Top Colleges for Ecology
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Ecology students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Ecology program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
Ecology carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 3 strengths and 4 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.
PROS
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $29,460 at graduation to $48,842 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +17.3% over the next decade, with Health Specialties Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 55,800 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Modest median earningsFour-year median of $48,842 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Licensure often requiredMost roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
High earnings varianceGap between 25th ($36,007) and 75th ($64,274) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.
Ecology Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Ecology graduates earn?
Ecology graduates earn a national median of $48,842 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,007 and $64,274. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Ecology degree?
One year after graduation, Ecology degree holders earn a median of $29,460. That climbs to $48,842 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Ecology degree?
Ecology degree holders pursue careers including Natural Sciences Managers, which pays a median of $167,220/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Ecology program take?
A Ecology bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Ecology?
352 colleges and universities in the United States offer Ecology programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Ecology degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $48,842 and an average net price of roughly $19,223/yr, a Ecology degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Ecology and Biology?
Ecology is a focused concentration within the broader Biology field. The Biology major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Ecology-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Ecology graduates?
Employers hiring Ecology graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.
Is graduate school worth it for Ecology graduates?
In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Ecology graduates?
The job outlook for Ecology graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +8.3% job growth over the next 10 years. Health Specialties Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +17.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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