Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Science
Environmental Scientist Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for environmental scientist in Virginia, 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 Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation • Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$78,140 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#24 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Virginia 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. Submit the application to Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation~Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $78,140, Environmental Scientists in Virginia earn 2% below the national median of $80,060. Virginia ranks #24 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$78,140Hourly estimate
$37.572% below national median
Difference: -$1,920
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationEnvironmental Scientist Salary Ranking
#24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $78,140 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $82,100 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $77,980 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 2 years |
| Kentucky | $68,990 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $76,900 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $65,800 | Varies by state board | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Tennessee | 66 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| North Carolina | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is 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
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation • Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485
Phone: 8043678514
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $49,250 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Chemical Technicians | $50,660 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $49,130 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Forester | $69,250 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Environmental Scientist in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Virginia 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 Virginia?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Environmental Scientist licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Environmental Scientist salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Environmental Scientists in Virginia is $78,140. Salaries range from $56,310 (10th percentile) to $128,940 (90th percentile).
How does the Environmental Scientist salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Environmental Scientists in Virginia earn 2% below the national median of $80,060, with a state median of $78,140.
How many Environmental Scientists work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 2,700 Environmental Scientists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Environmental Scientist license to Virginia 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 Virginia?
The licensing agency is Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation / Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists. Review agency details at https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/SSWPG/.
How often do you renew a Environmental Scientist license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.