Environmental Engineer Salary in California
Based on 5K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$130,410
$62.70/hr
vs National Average
$104,071
+25.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$80K – $171K
5K employed in California
Environmental Engineer salary in California averages $130,410 per year, positioning the state as a high-paying market for this profession. This median is approximately 25% above the national average, reflecting California's robust environmental sector and cost of living. Approximately 4,550 environmental engineers work throughout the state, contributing to its diverse economy across industries like energy, water management, and infrastructure.
Several factors influence Environmental Engineer salary in California, including experience level, industry specialization, and geographic location within the state. Engineers in major metropolitan areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles typically earn more than those in smaller regions. Educational credentials, professional certifications, and employer type—whether government agencies, private consulting firms, or corporations—also significantly impact compensation packages and career progression opportunities.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Engineer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,790 |
| 25th percentile | $95,950 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $130,410 |
| 75th percentile | $148,650 |
| 90th percentile | $170,790 |
Top-Paying Industries for Environmental Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Environmental Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Environmental Engineers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | $131,590 | 230 |
| Utilities | $124,760 | 550 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $123,520 | 440 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $117,490 | 1K |
| Manufacturing | $115,220 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Environmental Engineer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $105,430 |
| 2023 | $111,970 |
| 2024 | $127,660 |
| 2025 | $130,410 |
| 2026 (projected) | $133,219 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $105,430 | $92,026 |
| 2023 | $111,970 | $96,306 |
| 2024 | $127,660 | $100,067 |
| 2025 | $130,410 | $104,071 |
| 2026 (projected) | $133,219 | $106,313 |
Environmental Engineer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $95,950 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $130,410 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $148,650 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $170,790 |
Environmental Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Engineer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Environmental Engineer ($130,410 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in CA | $210,280 | +61.2% | $101.10/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in CA | $172,400 | +32.2% | $82.88/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in CA | $157,620 | +20.9% | $75.78/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CA | $144,040 | +10.5% | $69.25/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in CA | $143,590 | +10.1% | $69.03/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in CA | $130,900 | +0.4% | $62.93/hr |
| Materials Engineer in CA | $128,470 | -1.5% | $61.76/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CA | $128,310 | -1.6% | $61.69/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CA | $124,600 | -4.5% | $59.90/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CA | $122,500 | -6.1% | $58.89/hr |
| Marine Engineer in CA | $110,700 | -15.1% | $53.22/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in CA | $130,330 | -0.1% | $62.66/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental engineers make in California?
- Environmental engineers in California earn a median salary of $130,410 per year, or $63 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 25.3% premium for working in California.
What is the salary range for environmental engineers in California?
- Environmental engineer salaries in California range from $79,790 at the lower end to $170,790 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, employer type, and specific job responsibilities.
Is environmental engineering a well-paid job in California compared to the US?
- Yes, environmental engineering is well-compensated in California. The median salary of $130,410 is 25.3% higher than the national average, making it one of the better-paying states for this profession.
How many environmental engineers are employed in California?
- There are approximately 4,550 environmental engineers employed in California. This represents a substantial job market for professionals in this field within the state.