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
Related Legal Jobs
Environmental Lawyer Salary FAQ
How much does a Environmental Lawyer make in 2026?
The 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.
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: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $112,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Environmental Lawyer in the Legal sector.
- Entry-level ($66,000) and senior-level ($155,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 20K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 17% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Legal sector wages.
- Education requirement: Juris Doctor (JD), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $112,000.
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 Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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