Environmental Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 38K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$100,067
$48.109/hr
▲ 3.9% vs 2023Salary Range
$95K – $179K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
38K
workers nationwide
Environmental engineers in the United States earn a median salary of $100,067 per year, with approximately 37,600 professionals currently employed in the field. The salary range varies significantly, spanning from $95,400 to $179,060 annually, reflecting differences in experience, education, and specialization within this growing profession.
Several factors influence Environmental Engineer salary in the United States, including years of experience, geographic location, and employer type. Educational credentials, professional certifications, and specialized expertise in areas like water treatment or air quality management also impact earning potential. Additionally, working for federal agencies, private consulting firms, or large corporations may offer different compensation packages than smaller environmental organizations.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $95,400 |
| 25th percentile | $105,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,067 |
| 75th percentile | $140,590 |
| 90th percentile | $179,060 |
Environmental Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Environmental Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | $130,370 | +30.3% | 740 |
| 2 | California | $127,660 | +27.6% | 5K |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $125,980 | +25.9% | 170 |
| 4 | Louisiana | $123,210 | +23.1% | 250 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $116,980 | +16.9% | 1K |
| 6 | Washington | $115,770 | +15.7% | 1K |
| 7 | Alaska | $113,800 | +13.7% | 240 |
| 8 | Nevada | $112,330 | +12.3% | 210 |
| 9 | Texas | $108,560 | +8.5% | 2K |
| 10 | Connecticut | $108,100 | +8.0% | 500 |
Historical Salary Trend — Environmental Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $92,026 |
| 2023 | $96,306 |
| 2024 | $100,067 |
Environmental Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental engineers make per hour in the United States?
- Environmental engineers earn a median hourly rate of $48/hour in the United States. This hourly rate corresponds to the median annual salary of $100,067 for the profession.
What is the salary range for environmental engineers?
- Environmental engineers in the United States earn between $95,400 and $179,060 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. This represents a significant range of earning potential within the field.
Which city pays environmental engineers the most?
- Oregon is the top paying city for environmental engineers, offering a median salary of $130,370 per year, which is substantially higher than the national median of $100,067.
How many environmental engineers are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 37,600 environmental engineers currently employed throughout the United States, indicating a established and stable job market for this profession.