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Careers›Roles›Naturalist
Mid-Level

Naturalist

The natural world, and helping others see it, is your work: observing, interpreting, and teaching about plants, animals, and ecosystems, often out in the field. Helping people see the nature around them.

Career Level
Junior
Mid
Senior
Director
VP
Executive
Work Personality
I
R
S
C
A
E
Investigativeanalytical, curious
Realistichands-on, practical
Based on Holland Code framework
Industries that often hire Naturalists
Real EstateAdministrative ServicesGovernment · 71%Professional Services · 15%Consumer Services · 8%Education · 4%
Job markets for Naturalists
Employment concentration · ~226 areas
Based on employment in related occupations
Mapped SOC categories:
Science
BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
Jump to:What it's likeCareer pathsBy the numbers
What it's like

What it's like to be a Naturalist

Work blends being outdoors, observing and studying, and interpreting nature for the public through walks, talks, and programs, often at a park, preserve, or center. Making people notice what they'd walk past is the craft, and much of the job is teaching and connecting, since the goal is to spark care for nature, not just facts.

The harder part is the modest pay and seasonal, scattered jobs: many roles are part-time, grant-funded, or tied to the season. The work is part education, part outdoors, weather-dependent, and reaching a distracted public takes real skill. Settings span parks, nature centers, museums, and outdoor programs.

It fits someone outdoorsy, curious, and energized by sharing what they love. If you want high pay or year-round stability, this field rarely offers it. But if there's deep satisfaction in knowing the natural world, and helping others fall for it too, the work tends to be quietly fulfilling.

What people in this role value
AchievementModerate
Working ConditionsModerate
RecognitionModerate
RelationshipsModerate
IndependenceLower
SupportLower
O*NET Work Values survey
✦ Editorial — written by Truest from industry research and career patterns
Career Paths

Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.

Earning potential across this track
$239K$179K$119K$60K$0KLower paying387 metro areas, sorted by salary level
All experience levels1
This level's estimated range
INDUSTRIES PAYING ABOVE AVERAGE
Professional Services$92K+15%
Technology & Information$91K+13%
Energy & Utilities$82K+2%
Financial Services$81K+2%
Wholesale & Distribution$79K-1%
Compared to Science average across all industries
1 BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Naturalists (SOC 19-1023.00, 19-1031.03), not just this title · BEA RPP 2023
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.
Related rolesExplore Science →
NaturalistResearch ScientistRangerAquatic BiologistDolphin ResearcherFisheries BiologistWetland ScientistWildlife ConservationistAnimal BehavioristFish BiologistField NaturalistFish and Wildlife Biologist
Exploring the Naturalist career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
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✦ Editorial — career progression and interview guidance based on industry patterns
The Broader Landscape

Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.

$45K–$113K
Salary Range
10th – 90th percentile
43K
U.S. Employment
+2.5%
10yr Growth
4K
Annual Openings

How this category is changing

$77K$74K$71K$68K$65K201920202021202220232024$65K$77K
BLS OEWS May 2024 · BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034

Skills & Requirements

SpeakingJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionSpeakingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionActive ListeningScience
O*NET OnLine · Bureau of Labor Statistics
Mapped SOC Codes
19-1023.0019-1031.03

Explore related roles

Roles with similar work and overlapping career paths

midResearch Scientist$95KseniorSenior Research Scientist$95KmidRanger$51KmidAquatic Biologist$83KmidDolphin Researcher$83KmidFisheries Biologist$83K
View all Science roles →

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) · BLS Employment Projections · O*NET OnLine
Truest editorial: Fit check, role profile, things that vary, advancement analysis, lateral moves, interview questions.