Natural Resources
Quick Facts: Natural Resources Training
Where it's offered
Natural Resources programs are offered at 6 schools across 6 states. Most students attend a school within driving distance of home — use the state picker below to see programs near you.
Earnings expectations
Graduates earn approximately $35,087/year on average one year after completion, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. Pay scales with experience, certifications, and regional cost-of-living.
Apprenticeship pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 6 registered apprenticeship pathways related to Natural Resources — earn-while-you-learn alternatives to traditional schooling. See apprenticeship.gov for the federal registry.
Program quality benchmark
Across the 6 schools we analyze, the average TradeSchoolOutlook Score is 40/100. Higher-scoring programs combine strong graduate earnings, manageable cost, and strong job-market demand — see the leaderboard further down for the highest-rated options.
What Natural Resources Graduates Do
Your work will take you from forests and streams to labs and offices, protecting our natural world. Many graduates start as environmental or conservation technicians, spending their days in the field collecting soil and water samples, operating monitoring equipment, and documenting ecosystem health. With experience, you can advance to roles like an environmental scientist, analyzing that data to develop remediation plans, or a compliance officer, ensuring companies adhere to environmental laws through site inspections and report reviews.
Read more
This career progression from hands-on technician to analytical specialist comes with significant earning potential, as experienced scientists can earn nearly double an entry-level salary. Overall demand is steady, with roles for environmental scientists and compliance officers showing healthy growth. While AI tools may assist with data analysis or modeling, the core of your job—fieldwork, equipment operation, and on-site judgment—remains fundamentally human, ensuring your skills stay relevant in a changing world.
You may also want to compare Natural Resources with Forestry, Natural Resources Management, and Wildlife Management on earnings and ROI.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 6 registered apprenticeship occupations related to Natural Resources. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Environmental Analyst
RAPIDS 648 |
7000 hrs
~3.5 yrs |
Time | $62K – $80,060 – $104K | 4.4% |
|
Inspector, Quality Assurance
RAPIDS 992 |
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs |
Time | $59K – $78,420 – $105K | 3.0% |
|
Inspector, Quality Assurance (Alternate Title: Quality Management Professional)
RAPIDS 0992CB |
Competency | Competency | $59K – $78,420 – $105K | 3.0% |
|
Military Equal Opportunity (Military Only)
RAPIDS 1077CB |
Competency | Competency | $59K – $78,420 – $105K | 3.0% |
|
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
RAPIDS 2062HY |
3000-4000 hrs | Hybrid | $59K – $78,420 – $105K | 3.0% |
|
Soil Conservation Technician
RAPIDS 450 |
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs |
Time | $53K – $67,950 – $88K | 3.4% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Find Natural Resources Programs in Your State
Trade and community college programs are local decisions — most students pick a school within driving distance. Natural Resources is offered at 6 schools across 6 states. Click your state to see all trade programs offered locally.
Top Natural Resources Programs Nationally
For context, here are the highest-scoring Natural Resources programs in the country. Most students attend a school within 60 miles of home, so your state list above is usually more actionable — but these are the benchmarks others compete against.
6 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and career analysis.
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado Northwestern Community College Rangely, CO |
64 56–67 |
| 2 | Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL |
58 54–60 |
| 3 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ |
49 45–51 |
| 4 | Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WI |
49 42–52 |
| 5 | Vincennes University Vincennes, IN |
46 38–49 |
| 6 | Lackawanna College Scranton, PA |
40 35–43 |
Highest Earning Natural Resources Programs
Schools where Natural Resources graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Northwestern Community College | $38,698/yr | 64 |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $38,514/yr | 49 |
| Florida Atlantic University | $36,873/yr | 58 |
| Fox Valley Technical College | $32,996/yr | 49 |
| Vincennes University | $32,138/yr | 46 |
| Lackawanna College | $31,301/yr | 40 |
Best ROI for Natural Resources
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Natural Resources.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Northwestern Community College | 151.2x | $38,698/yr | 64 |
| Florida Atlantic University | 74.6x | $36,873/yr | 58 |
| Fox Valley Technical College | 43.8x | $32,996/yr | 49 |
| Vincennes University | 41.0x | $32,138/yr | 46 |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | 31.0x | $38,514/yr | 49 |
| Lackawanna College | 16.4x | $31,301/yr | 40 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Natural Resources degree programs stack up on earnings and ROI.