Environmental Engineer Salary
by City (2026)
Develop solutions to environmental problems including pollution control and waste management. National median: $92K/year. See how your city compares.
Environmental Engineer salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $92K Environmental Engineer salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βEnvironmental Engineer Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Environmental Engineer is $92,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $68,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $120,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Environmental Engineers nationally earn $152,000+.
Education and requirements
Bachelor's in Environmental Engineering; PE license. This role is 28% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Environmental Engineer compensation is growing at 4.2% annually, well above the national average wage growth rate.
Environmental Engineer salary FAQ
How much does a Environmental Engineer make?
The median Environmental Engineer salary in the US is $92,000 per year β about $44/hour. Most earn between $68,000 (25th percentile) and $120,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Environmental Engineer?
Entry-level Environmental Engineer positions typically start around $68,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Environmental Engineers earn?
The top 10% of Environmental Engineers earn $152,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Environmental Engineers the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Environmental Engineer salary at $133K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Environmental Engineer salaries going up?
Yes β Environmental Engineer pay is growing about 4.2% year over year, above the US average wage-growth rate.