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
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Lawyers (SOC 23-1011, the closest published occupation to Environmental Lawyer) at a national median of $159,670 per year (mean $185,840), or $76.76 per hour, with 754,500 people employed nationwide. Salario's $112,000 median above is a title-level estimate and is not rescaled to this broader occupation. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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 |
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.
Environmental Lawyer Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Environmental Lawyer.
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
Related Legal Jobs
Environmental Lawyer Salary FAQ
How much does a Environmental Lawyer make in 2026?
Salario's modeled median salary for a Environmental Lawyer in the United States is $112,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $66,000, while senior professionals earn up to $155,000. Top earners in the field can make $202,000 or more annually. For reference, BLS OEWS May 2025 reports a $159,670 national median for the broader occupation Lawyers (SOC 23-1011).
What education is needed to become a Environmental Lawyer?
A Environmental Lawyer typically requires a Juris Doctor (JD) with 3-6 years of experience. Key skills include Environmental Law, EPA Regulations, Litigation. Relevant certifications such as Bar Admission or Environmental Law Certificate can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Environmental Lawyers?
The job market for Environmental Lawyers is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 20K Environmental Lawyer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 17%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Environmental Lawyers the most?
The highest-paying states for Environmental Lawyers include California, New York, Washington DC. In California, the median salary is approximately $132,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Environmental Lawyer salary?
To increase your Environmental Lawyer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Environmental Law and EPA Regulations. Pursue certifications such as Bar Admission. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Francisco. With 3-6 years of experience, you can progress from $66,000 to $155,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Environmental Lawyer Salary
How we calculate Environmental Lawyer salary data: Environmental Lawyer has no exact BLS occupation. The national median, tiers, state and city figures are Salario estimates for the title; the closest published BLS occupation (Lawyers, SOC 23-1011) is shown above for reference but is not used to rescale the model because its wage level does not describe this title.
- National median salary: $112,000, Salario estimate (not a BLS value).
- Entry-level ($66,000) and senior-level ($155,000) are Salario tiers; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 20K total positions nationwide (Salario estimate).
- 5-year salary growth: 17% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Legal sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Juris Doctor (JD), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $112,000; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Environmental Lawyer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Environmental Lawyer 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 Legal
- 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 Lawyer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Environmental Law, EPA Regulations, Litigation), 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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