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Natural Resources Management

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Natural Resources Management.

Entry Level Salary
$40,000
Median Salary
$81,100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
32.9%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $3,244,000
Entry (Early)
$40,000
Median (Prime)
$81,100
High (Prime)
$89,000

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-95k
+254k
+318k
$25k / yr
-185k
+164k
+228k
$50k / yr
-275k
+74k
+138k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
27
26
$25k / yr
Never
33
31
$50k / yr
Never
44
38

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-170%
151%
210%
$50k / yr
-127%
34%
64%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate28.1%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.

Top Professions

Management occupations

7.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$42,874
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$97,164|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Biological scientists

5.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$44,026
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$67,000|$99,760
openings
10,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%

Postsecondary teachers

2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$18,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$54,000|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Elementary and middle school teachers

2.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$46,343
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$55,000|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%

Project management specialists

2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$48,233
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$83,604|$102,320
openings
76,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%

Conservation scientists and foresters

1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$37,514
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$63,721|$73,920
openings
3,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.3%

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$53,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,873|$82,220
openings
7,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%

First-line supervisors of retail sales workers

1.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$36,443
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$48,000|$48,520
openings
113,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -3.7%

Physical scientists, all other

1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$46,153
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$84,676|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%

Surveyors, cartographers, and photogrammetrists

1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$57,928
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$91,091|$76,910
openings
4,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
fishing and fisheries sciences and management.Associate's Degree4$46,067 - $46,067
fishing and fisheries sciences and management.Bachelor's Degree14$40,053 - $52,424
fishing and fisheries sciences and management.Master's Degree6$67,836 - $67,836
natural resources and conservation, other.Bachelor's Degree11$45,833 - $60,557
natural resources and conservation, other.Master's Degree6Data N/A
natural resources conservation and research.Undergrad Certificate34$23,947 - $78,159
natural resources conservation and research.Associate's Degree117$23,237 - $52,643
natural resources conservation and research.Bachelor's Degree683$37,015 - $102,903
natural resources conservation and research.Master's Degree178$51,822 - $104,878
natural resources conservation and research.Doctoral Degree73$100,702 - $100,702
natural resources conservation and research.First Professional Degree1$86,011 - $86,011
natural resources conservation and research.Graduate Certificate10Data N/A
wildlife and wildlands science and management.Undergrad Certificate7$43,223 - $46,418
wildlife and wildlands science and management.Associate's Degree19$27,386 - $46,096
wildlife and wildlands science and management.Bachelor's Degree52$38,775 - $69,799
wildlife and wildlands science and management.Master's Degree19Data N/A
wildlife and wildlands science and management.Doctoral Degree13Data N/A