Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MS Board of Science
Environmental Scientist Licensing in Mississippi
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for environmental scientist in Mississippi, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Environmental Scientist in Mississippi
Estimated timeline: 3 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a soil science curriculum from an accredited college or university with at least 15 semester hours or the equivalent in soil science, and 30 semester hours or the equivalent in related agricultural, nat
- 2
Must hold a license for the practice of soil classifying on the basis of comparable qualifications issued to him by a proper authority of another state, possession, or territory of the Unites States and, in the opinion of the Division, meets th
- 3
Education: Degree required.
- 4
Experience: Work experience required.
- 5
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 6
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 7
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 8
A bonafide employee must be under the direct supervision of a license holder.
- 9
License Application
- Qualifications.
- 10
602 Application for license shall be submitted on a regular form furnished by the Division, in time to be approved ten (10) days prior to regular scheduled examinations.
- 11
The applicant shall furnish the name of one (1) reference as to his character and names of two (2) professional soil classifiers having personal knowledge of his soil classifying experience.
- 12
No application for a license shall be accepted unless the applicant shall furnish written proof that he has one year's experience in the field of soil classifying in the last five (5) years and that he meets one of the following requirements
- provided that in extraordinary cases these requirements may be waived by the Professional Soil Classifiers Advisory Committee.
- 13
Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a soil science curriculum from an accredited college or university with at least 15 semester hours or the equivalent in soil science, and 30 semester hours or the equivalent in related agricultural, natural resources, or land use planning courses.
Exam and processing details
- passing an examination administered by the Professional Soil Classifiers Advisory Committee
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
MS Department of Agriculture • Bureau of Plant Industry
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$55,110 median (31% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#50 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (The applicant shall furnish the name of one (1) reference as to his character and names of two (2) professional soil classifiers having p...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required passing an examination administered by the Professional Soil Classifiers Advisory Committee.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.; License Application; Qualifications.).
- 6. Submit the application to MS Department of Agriculture~Bureau of Plant Industry and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Mississippi
With a median salary of $55,110, Environmental Scientists in Mississippi earn 31% below the national median of $80,060. Mississippi ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 3 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.5%Average Weekly Wage
$999Median annual salary
$55,110Hourly estimate
$26.5031% below national median
Difference: -$24,950
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationEnvironmental Scientist Salary Ranking
#50 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $55,110 | Degree required | No exam required | 3 years |
| Tennessee | $76,900 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $74,660 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $67,260 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $75,620 | Specific course required | State exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 66 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Alabama | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Louisiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 56 | Medium | 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
Official website verified
MS Department of Agriculture • Bureau of Plant Industry
705 Stone Blvd, P.O. Box 5207, Mississippi State, MS, 39762
Phone: 6623253390
Related Careers in Mississippi
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $50,650 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Chemical Technicians | $54,100 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $55,690 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Forester | $65,960 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Environmental Scientist in Mississippi?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 3 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Environmental Scientists in Mississippi?
Mississippi lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Environmental Scientists.
What education do you need to become a Environmental Scientist in Mississippi?
The board typically expects Degree required for Environmental Scientist licensure in Mississippi.
What is the typical Environmental Scientist salary in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for Environmental Scientists in Mississippi is $55,110. Salaries range from $40,280 (10th percentile) to $109,020 (90th percentile).
How does the Environmental Scientist salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?
Environmental Scientists in Mississippi earn 31% below the national median of $80,060, with a state median of $55,110.
How many Environmental Scientists work in Mississippi?
Mississippi employs approximately 380 Environmental Scientists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Environmental Scientist license to Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
The licensing agency is MS Department of Agriculture / Bureau of Plant Industry. Review agency details at https://www.mdac.ms.gov/bureaus-departments/plant-industry/.
How often do you renew a Environmental Scientist license in Mississippi?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.