Environmental Engineer Salary in Virginia
Based on 1K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$104,940
$50.45/hr
vs National Average
$104,071
+0.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $158K
1K employed in Virginia
The Environmental Engineer salary in Virginia offers a median of $104,940 annually. This figure places Virginia's earnings for this profession just 1% above the national average, with approximately 1,010 workers currently employed in this vital role within the state.
Factors influencing the Environmental Engineer salary in Virginia include experience level, specific industry, and geographical location within the Commonwealth. The salary range spans from $65,520 to $157,990, reflecting the diverse demands and skill sets valued in this specialized field.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Engineer in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,520 |
| 25th percentile | $83,010 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $104,940 |
| 75th percentile | $131,700 |
| 90th percentile | $157,990 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $96,070 |
| 2023 | $105,020 |
| 2024 | $103,480 |
| 2025 | $104,940 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,421 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $96,070 | $92,026 |
| 2023 | $105,020 | $96,306 |
| 2024 | $103,480 | $100,067 |
| 2025 | $104,940 | $104,071 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,421 | $105,539 |
Environmental Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $83,010 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $104,940 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $131,700 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $157,990 |
Environmental Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Engineer Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Environmental Engineer ($104,940 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in VA | $176,160 | +67.9% | $84.69/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in VA | $143,210 | +36.5% | $68.85/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in VA | $136,380 | +30.0% | $65.57/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in VA | $128,890 | +22.8% | $61.97/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in VA | $119,030 | +13.4% | $57.23/hr |
| Materials Engineer in VA | $116,720 | +11.2% | $56.12/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in VA | $106,140 | +1.1% | $51.03/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in VA | $104,180 | -0.7% | $50.09/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in VA | $102,550 | -2.3% | $49.30/hr |
| Civil Engineer in VA | $97,120 | -7.5% | $46.69/hr |
| Budget Analyst in VA | $105,470 | +0.5% | $50.71/hr |
| Financial Analyst in VA | $105,490 | +0.5% | $50.72/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Environmental Engineer make in Virginia?
- The median salary for an Environmental Engineer in Virginia is $104,940 per year, which breaks down to approximately $50 per hour. This means that half of Environmental Engineers in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for an Environmental Engineer in Virginia?
- In Virginia, Environmental Engineers can expect to earn within a range of $65,520 to $157,990 annually. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while experienced professionals in specialized roles can reach the higher end of this spectrum.
Is the salary for Environmental Engineers in Virginia higher than the national average?
- Yes, Environmental Engineers in Virginia earn slightly more than the national average, with salaries being 0.8% higher. This difference can contribute to a higher overall earning potential for those working in the state.
How many Environmental Engineers are employed in Virginia?
- There are approximately 1,010 Environmental Engineers currently employed in Virginia. This indicates a solid job market for professionals in this field within the state.