Environmental Engineer Salary in Illinois
Based on 940+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$107,990
$51.92/hr
vs National Average
$104,071
+3.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$72K – $153K
940 employed in Illinois
Environmental engineers in Illinois earn a median salary of $107,990 per year, which sits 4% above the national average. With approximately 940 environmental engineers employed throughout the state, Illinois offers competitive compensation in this field. Salaries in the state range from $71,990 to $153,150 annually, reflecting the diversity of roles and experience levels across the profession.
Several factors influence Environmental Engineer salary in Illinois, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry specialization. Geographic location within the state, employer type, and company size also play significant roles in determining compensation. Environmental engineers working on large-scale industrial projects or in major metropolitan areas typically command higher salaries than those in smaller municipalities or early-career positions.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Engineer in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $71,990 |
| 25th percentile | $87,090 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $107,990 |
| 75th percentile | $123,960 |
| 90th percentile | $153,150 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $108,500 |
| 2023 | $102,000 |
| 2024 | $107,550 |
| 2025 | $107,990 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,432 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $108,500 | $92,026 |
| 2023 | $102,000 | $96,306 |
| 2024 | $107,550 | $100,067 |
| 2025 | $107,990 | $104,071 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,432 | $104,497 |
Environmental Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $87,090 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $107,990 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $123,960 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $153,150 |
Environmental Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Engineer Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Environmental Engineer ($107,990 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in IL | $163,610 | +51.5% | $78.66/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in IL | $134,510 | +24.6% | $64.67/hr |
| Materials Engineer in IL | $126,620 | +17.3% | $60.88/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in IL | $121,560 | +12.6% | $58.44/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in IL | $108,940 | +0.9% | $52.38/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in IL | $107,860 | -0.1% | $51.86/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in IL | $102,680 | -4.9% | $49.37/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in IL | $100,540 | -6.9% | $48.34/hr |
| Civil Engineer in IL | $99,760 | -7.6% | $47.96/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in IL | $89,520 | -17.1% | $43.04/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in IL | $106,860 | -1.0% | $51.38/hr |
| Construction Manager in IL | $109,160 | +1.1% | $52.48/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental engineers make in Illinois?
- Environmental engineers in Illinois earn a median salary of $107,990 per year, or $52 per hour. This is 3.8% higher than the national average, making Illinois a competitive state for this profession.
What is the salary range for environmental engineers in Illinois?
- Environmental engineer salaries in Illinois range from $71,990 at the lower end to $153,150 at the higher end. The difference between these extremes reflects varying experience levels, specializations, and employer types in the state.
How many environmental engineers work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 940 environmental engineers currently employed in Illinois. This represents the total workforce for this occupation across the state.
Is an environmental engineer salary in Illinois above the national average?
- Yes, environmental engineers in Illinois earn 3.8% more than the national average. With a median salary of $107,990 annually, the state offers above-average compensation compared to other states.