Environmental Lawyer Salary in 2026
Environmental lawyers handle legal matters related to environmental protection, pollution, land use, and natural resources. They represent clients in regulatory compliance and environmental litigation.
Median Salary
$112,000
$9,333/mo
Entry Level
$66,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$155,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Environmental Lawyer Overview
Environmental lawyers handle legal matters related to environmental protection, pollution, land use, and natural resources. They represent clients in regulatory compliance and environmental litigation.
Education
Juris Doctor (JD)
Experience
3-6 years
Industry
Legal
Total Jobs (US)
20K
5-Year Growth
+17%
Category
Legal
Hourly Rate
$53.85/hr
Monthly Pay
$9,333
Environmental Lawyer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Environmental Lawyer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Environmental Lawyer Salary
$125,000
$10,417/month · $4,808/biweekly · $60.10/hr
Environmental Lawyer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Environmental Lawyer field.
Entry-level Environmental Lawyers earn around $66,000, while the top 10% earn $178,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Environmental Lawyers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $132,000 | +$20,000 |
| New York | $129,000 | +$17,000 |
| Massachusetts | $125,000 | +$13,000 |
| Colorado | $118,000 | +$6,000 |
| Washington DC | $112,000 | $0 |
Top Paying Cities for Environmental Lawyers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $140,000 | +$28,000 |
| New York | $132,000 | +$20,000 |
| Washington DC | $129,000 | +$17,000 |
| Boston | $125,000 | +$13,000 |
| Denver | $119,000 | +$7,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Environmental Lawyer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Environmental Lawyer from entry level to expert.
$66,000
0-2 years
$111,000
3-7 years
$155,000
8-14 years
$202,000
15+ years
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Environmental Lawyer Salary FAQ
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