Natural Resources Management and Policy at University of Hawaii at Manoa

While the career paths listed on this page show high potential, the overall earnings data for this degree tells a different story. The reality is that a degree in natural resources management in Hawaii often leads to public sector or non-profit work. You might be managing vital local ecosystems for the state's Department of Land and Natural Resources or working with a conservation group. These careers are incredibly fulfilling but are not known for high starting salaries, especially in a state with a high cost of living. The disconnect you see in the numbers reflects this split: a few graduates land lucrative, unrelated jobs, while many enter lower-paying but mission-driven conservation and policy roles specific to the islands' unique environment. To succeed, you must aggressively pursue internships with local and federal agencies—think the National Park Service or NOAA—to build a specialized, place-based resume that justifies your value in this competitive field.