Environmental Engineer Salary in 2026
Environmental engineers use engineering, soil science, and biology to develop solutions for environmental problems including pollution, waste management, and water treatment.
Median Salary
$107,110
$8,926/mo
Entry Level
$70,600
starting pay
Senior Level
$136,700
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Environmental Engineers (SOC 17-2081) at a national median of $107,110 per year (mean $112,910), or $51.50 per hour, with 38,340 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Environmental Engineer Overview
Environmental engineers use engineering, soil science, and biology to develop solutions for environmental problems including pollution, waste management, and water treatment.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Engineering
Total Jobs (US)
38K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$51.50/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,926
Environmental Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Environmental Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Environmental Engineer Salary
$114,000
$9,500/month · $4,385/biweekly · $54.81/hr
Environmental Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Environmental Engineer field.
Entry-level Environmental Engineers earn around $70,600, while the top 10% earn $153,250 or more.
Top Paying States for Environmental Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $126,000 | +$18,890 |
| New York | $123,000 | +$15,890 |
| Pennsylvania | $107,000 | $-110 |
| Texas | $105,000 | $-2,110 |
| Florida | $105,000 | $-2,110 |
Top Paying Cities for Environmental Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $134,000 | +$26,890 |
| New York | $126,000 | +$18,890 |
| Miami | $109,000 | +$1,890 |
| Philadelphia | $109,000 | +$1,890 |
| Houston | $106,000 | $-1,110 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Environmental Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Environmental Engineer from entry level to expert.
$70,600
0-2 years
$104,000
3-7 years
$136,700
8-14 years
$169,800
15+ years
Related Engineering Jobs
Environmental Engineer Salary FAQ
How much does a Environmental Engineer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Environmental Engineer in the United States is $107,110 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Environmental Engineers (SOC 17-2081); the mean is $112,910. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $70,600, senior professionals around $136,700, and top earners at $169,800 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Environmental Engineer?
A Environmental Engineer typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 2-4 years of experience. Key skills include Environmental Remediation, Water Treatment, EPA Regulations. Relevant certifications such as PE License or FE Exam can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Environmental Engineers?
The job market for Environmental Engineers is projected to grow by 4% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 38K Environmental Engineer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 13%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Environmental Engineers the most?
The highest-paying states for Environmental Engineers include California, Texas, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $126,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Environmental Engineer salary?
To increase your Environmental Engineer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Environmental Remediation and Water Treatment. Pursue certifications such as PE License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Francisco. With 2-4 years of experience, you can progress from $70,600 to $136,700 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Environmental Engineer Salary
How we calculate Environmental Engineer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Environmental Engineers (SOC 17-2081), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $107,110, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Environmental Engineers; BLS mean $112,910; BLS hourly median $51.50.
- Entry-level ($70,600) and senior-level ($136,700) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 38,340 Environmental Engineers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 13% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Engineering sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $107,110; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Environmental Engineer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Environmental Engineer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Engineering
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Environmental Engineer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Environmental Remediation, Water Treatment, EPA Regulations), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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