Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Science
Environmental Scientist Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for environmental scientist in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Environmental Scientist in Colorado
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Requires initial training of from two to five days.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment • too many to list
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$86,720 median (8% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#9 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Environmental Scientist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment~too many to list and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of $86,720, Environmental Scientists in Colorado earn 8% above the national median of $80,060. Colorado ranks #9 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$86,720Hourly estimate
$41.698% above national median
Difference: +$6,660
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationEnvironmental Scientist Salary Ranking
#9 of 50 statesfor Environmental Scientist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $97,520 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | $96,330 |
| #3 | Oregon | $93,560 |
| #4 | Rhode Island | $90,460 |
| #5 | Illinois | $89,010 |
Nearby States Comparison
Environmental Scientist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $86,720 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $74,060 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $61,260 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $73,300 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $67,530 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $79,250 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $78,870 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $81,480 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment • too many to list
4300 Cherry Creek South Drive, Denver, CO, 80246
Phone: 3036923620
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $54,600 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Chemical Technicians | $64,540 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $49,490 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Forester | $69,380 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Environmental Scientist in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Environmental Scientists in Colorado?
Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Environmental Scientists.
What education do you need to become a Environmental Scientist in Colorado?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Environmental Scientist licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Environmental Scientist salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Environmental Scientists in Colorado is $86,720. Salaries range from $60,150 (10th percentile) to $131,290 (90th percentile).
How does the Environmental Scientist salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Environmental Scientists in Colorado earn 8% above the national median of $80,060, with a state median of $86,720.
How many Environmental Scientists work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 2,480 Environmental Scientists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Environmental Scientist license to Colorado from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Environmental Scientists in Colorado?
The licensing agency is Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment / too many to list. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Environmental Scientist license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.