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Environmental Engineer Salary in San Diego, CA

Environmental Engineer salary data for San Diego, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Environmental Engineer Salary in San Diego, CA — 2026

The median Environmental Engineer salary in San Diego, CA is $150,400 per year ($12,533/month, $72/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 160, which is 60% above the national average.

Entry Level
$99K
$48/hr
Median
$150K
$72/hr
Senior
$192K
$92/hr
Top Earner
$238K
$115/hr

Environmental Engineer Take-Home Pay in San Diego

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$150,400
Federal Tax-$25,343
State Tax (9.3%)-$13,987
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$11,506
Annual Take-Home$99,564
Monthly Take-Home$8,297

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$2,500/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio19.9%
Median Home Price$780,000
Cost of Living Index160
City Median Salary$78,500
Environmental Engineer vs City Median+$71,900

Environmental Engineer Requirements

Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Job Growth
4.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

Environmental RemediationWater TreatmentEPA RegulationsGISEnvironmental Impact Assessment

San Diego Job Market Overview

San Diego, California has a population of 1,386,932 and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. The top industries are Military, Biotech, Tourism. The local job growth rate is 2.2%, and the average commute time is 25 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Environmental Engineer salary in San Diego, CA?
The median Environmental Engineer salary in San Diego, CA is $150,400 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 160. Entry-level Environmental Engineers earn around $99,200, while senior-level professionals can earn $192,000 or more.
How much does a Environmental Engineer take home in San Diego after taxes?
A Environmental Engineer earning the median salary of $150,400 in San Diego, CA takes home approximately $99,564 per year ($8,297/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 33.8%.
Is San Diego a good city for Environmental Engineers?
San Diego, CA has a cost of living index of 160 (above national average). Environmental Engineers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Military, Biotech, Tourism.
What skills are needed for a Environmental Engineer in San Diego?
Key skills for Environmental Engineers include Environmental Remediation, Water Treatment, EPA Regulations, GIS, Environmental Impact Assessment. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include PE License, FE Exam, LEED.
How does Environmental Engineer salary in San Diego compare to the national average?
The national median Environmental Engineer salary is $94,000. In San Diego, the adjusted salary is $150,400, which is 60.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Environmental Engineer salary in San Diego, CA?

The median Environmental Engineer salary in San Diego, CA is $150,400 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 160. Entry-level Environmental Engineers earn around $99,200, while senior-level professionals can earn $192,000 or more.

How much does a Environmental Engineer take home in San Diego after taxes?

A Environmental Engineer earning the median salary of $150,400 in San Diego, CA takes home approximately $99,564 per year ($8,297/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 33.8%.

Is San Diego a good city for Environmental Engineers?

San Diego, CA has a cost of living index of 160 (above national average). Environmental Engineers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Military, Biotech, Tourism.

What skills are needed for a Environmental Engineer in San Diego?

Key skills for Environmental Engineers include Environmental Remediation, Water Treatment, EPA Regulations, GIS, Environmental Impact Assessment. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include PE License, FE Exam, LEED.

How does Environmental Engineer salary in San Diego compare to the national average?

The national median Environmental Engineer salary is $94,000. In San Diego, the adjusted salary is $150,400, which is 60.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.