Environmental Engineer Salary in Washington
Based on 2K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$125,460
$60.32/hr
vs National Average
$104,071
+20.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$81K – $176K
2K employed in Washington
The average Environmental Engineer salary in Washington sits at a robust $125,460 annually, positioning the state 21% above the national average for this vital profession. With approximately 1,920 Environmental Engineers employed across Washington, the salary range for these professionals generally falls between $80,660 and $175,610, indicating significant earning potential within the field.
Several factors contribute to the Environmental Engineer salary in Washington. Experience level and specific skill sets, such as expertise in water quality management or hazardous waste remediation, play a significant role. Furthermore, the demand for environmental consulting services in regions with growing industries or complex environmental regulations directly influences compensation for these dedicated professionals.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Engineer in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $80,660 |
| 25th percentile | $100,200 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $125,460 |
| 75th percentile | $161,250 |
| 90th percentile | $175,610 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,240 |
| 2023 | $103,940 |
| 2024 | $115,770 |
| 2025 | $125,460 |
| 2026 (projected) | $132,988 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,240 | $92,026 |
| 2023 | $103,940 | $96,306 |
| 2024 | $115,770 | $100,067 |
| 2025 | $125,460 | $104,071 |
| 2026 (projected) | $132,988 | $110,315 |
Environmental Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $100,200 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $125,460 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $161,250 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $175,610 |
Environmental Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Engineer Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Environmental Engineer ($125,460 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in WA | $189,680 | +51.2% | $91.19/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in WA | $158,370 | +26.2% | $76.14/hr |
| Materials Engineer in WA | $139,840 | +11.5% | $67.23/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in WA | $134,800 | +7.4% | $64.81/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in WA | $132,710 | +5.8% | $63.80/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in WA | $129,480 | +3.2% | $62.25/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in WA | $129,050 | +2.9% | $62.04/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in WA | $128,290 | +2.3% | $61.68/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in WA | $110,430 | -12.0% | $53.09/hr |
| Civil Engineer in WA | $110,000 | -12.3% | $52.88/hr |
| Marine Engineer in WA | $109,550 | -12.7% | $52.67/hr |
| Computer Programmer in WA | $125,620 | +0.1% | $60.39/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an Environmental Engineer in Washington?
- The median annual salary for Environmental Engineers in Washington is $125,460, which equates to about $60 per hour. This is 20.6% higher than the national average for this profession.
How much can an Environmental Engineer in Washington expect to make?
- The typical salary range for Environmental Engineers in Washington falls between $80,660 and $175,610 annually. The median salary offers a good benchmark at $125,460 per year.
What is the hourly rate for an Environmental Engineer in Washington?
- Environmental Engineers in Washington earn a median hourly wage of $60. This translates to a substantial median annual income of $125,460.
How many Environmental Engineers are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 1,920 Environmental Engineers employed in Washington state. For these professionals, the median annual salary is $125,460, significantly above the national average.