Environmental Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 38K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$104,071
$50.03/hr
▲ 4.0% vs 2024Salary Range
$69K – $154K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
38K
workers nationwide
The Environmental Engineer salary in the United States shows a median of $104,071 annually, or $50 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint, with most professionals earning between $69,349 and $153,784 per year.
Several factors influence an Environmental Engineer's compensation. Experience level, geographic location, the specific industry, and the size of the employing organization all play a significant role. For example, the top-paying state for this profession is Louisiana, with an average salary of $130,510.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $69,349 |
| 25th percentile | $84,811 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $104,071 |
| 75th percentile | $127,318 |
| 90th percentile | $153,784 |
Environmental Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Environmental Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisiana | $130,510 | +25.4% | 340 |
| 2 | California | $130,410 | +25.3% | 5K |
| 3 | Oregon | $127,100 | +22.1% | 650 |
| 4 | Washington | $125,460 | +20.6% | 2K |
| 5 | Texas | $123,060 | +18.2% | 2K |
| 6 | Nebraska | $120,620 | +15.9% | 270 |
| 7 | Idaho | $117,520 | +12.9% | 400 |
| 8 | Florida | $116,840 | +12.3% | 2K |
| 9 | Massachusetts | $115,800 | +11.3% | 2K |
| 10 | Minnesota | $115,750 | +11.2% | 1K |
Environmental Engineer Salary by Industry
How much Environmental Engineers earn across industries nationwide — Transportation and Warehousing pays the most ($131,590 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Transportation and Warehousing | $131,590 | +26.4% | 230 |
| 2 | Utilities | $124,760 | +19.9% | 550 |
| 3 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $123,520 | +18.7% | 440 |
| 4 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $117,490 | +12.9% | 1K |
| 5 | Manufacturing | $115,220 | +10.7% | 3K |
| 6 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $107,120 | +2.9% | 12K |
| 7 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $105,560 | +1.4% | 18K |
| 8 | Administrative and Support Services | $102,720 | -1.3% | 2K |
| 9 | Wholesale Trade | $100,580 | -3.4% | — |
| 10 | Educational Services | $93,350 | -10.3% | 330 |
| 11 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $90,480 | -13.1% | 160 |
| 12 | Construction | $83,560 | -19.7% | 180 |
| 13 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $74,290 | -28.6% | 40 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Environmental Engineer
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Environmental Engineer roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Battelle Memorial Institute | $123,656 | 6 |
| 2 | Ernst & Young | $118,264 | 4 |
| 3 | Uchicago Argonne | $94,656 | 4 |
| 4 | The Trustees Of Princeton University | $77,290 | 3 |
| 5 | University Of California Berkeley | $82,750 | 3 |
| 6 | University Of Connecticut | $151,986 | 3 |
| 7 | Wsp | $121,680 | 3 |
Historical Salary Trend — Environmental Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $92,026 |
| 2023 | $96,306 |
| 2024 | $100,067 |
| 2025 | $104,071 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,235 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Environmental Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $84,811 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $104,071 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $127,318 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $153,784 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an Environmental Engineer in the US?
- The median Environmental Engineer salary in the United States is $104,071 per year. This means half of professionals in this field earn more, and half earn less, with the typical range falling between $69,349 and $153,784.
Which US state pays Environmental Engineers the most?
- Louisiana offers the highest average salary for Environmental Engineers, with professionals in this state earning approximately $130,510 annually. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $104,071.
How many Environmental Engineers are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 37,720 Environmental Engineers employed across the United States. This indicates a significant demand for professionals in this specialized field.
What is the hourly rate for an Environmental Engineer?
- The median hourly rate for an Environmental Engineer in the US is $50. This is derived from the annual median salary of $104,071, providing a more granular view of compensation.