Climate / Environmental Scientist
Address the defining challenge of our era - Canada needs environmental scientists urgently.
Climate / Environmental Scientist Salary in Canada
Climate / Environmental Scientists in Canada earn about $60,000 at entry level and around $140,000 in senior roles.
- Entry level: $60,000
- Senior level: $140,000
Government scientists (Environment Canada) earn stable incomes. Private sector consulting can pay more.
About the Career
Climate expertise is increasingly needed in government, utilities, insurance, and consulting, but the number of dedicated climate scientist jobs is small - Job Bank rates meteorologist and climatologist prospects mostly moderate.
Job Outlook
Stable demand. Climate expertise is increasingly needed in government, utilities, insurance, and consulting, but the number of dedicated climate scientist jobs is small - Job Bank rates meteorologist and climatologist prospects mostly moderate.
How to Get There
- BSc (Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, or Ecology) + often MSc
- Time to career: 4-6 years post-Grade 12
Degrees That Lead Here
- Environmental Science – mid to high 80s
Key Skills
- Climate Modelling
- Data Analysis
- Field Sampling
- Environmental Policy Knowledge
- Scientific Communication
Typical Employers
- Environment & Climate Change Canada
- Provincial environment ministries
- Consulting firms
- Universities & research labs
- NGOs & advocacy groups
High School Roadmap
- Join an environmental club or start one. Volunteer for local conservation efforts. Take Biology.
- Take Chemistry. Research Environment Canada and the careers within it.
- Enter science fair with an environmental topic. Research UBC and UVic's exceptional environmental science programs.
- Apply to environmental science, earth sciences, or ecology programs.
Top Universities for This Path
- University of British Columbia – Vancouver, BC
- McGill University – Montreal, QC
- University of Victoria – Victoria, BC
- University of Alberta – Edmonton, AB
- Dalhousie University – Halifax, NS
Insider Tips
- Environment and Climate Change Canada is a major employer - federal science jobs offer strong stability.
- UBC and UVic have world-class ocean and climate science programs due to their Pacific coast location.
- Environmental consulting firms are growing rapidly as government regulations require environmental assessments.