Environmental Engineer Salary
Estimated Pay by Experience Level
Salary by State
Median annual| State | Median / yr | Relative pay |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $125,489 | |
| California | $110,853 | |
| Massachusetts | $110,195 | |
| Colorado | $109,298 | |
| Washington | $109,064 | |
| Connecticut | $108,838 | |
| New Jersey | $108,424 | |
| New York | $108,312 | |
| National Median | $96,530 |
How to Become a Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers use engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to solve problems in the environment.
Meet the education requirement
Most environmental engineers enter the field with bachelor's degree. Programs are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and universities.
Complete an accredited training program
Hands-on coursework and clinical or field experience prepare you for the work and for certification exams.
Earn the Professional Engineer (PE) license
Most employers expect this credential — and in many states it's required to practice. Entry pay starts near $63,710 and rises toward $140,934 with experience.
Environmental Engineer salary: common questions
How much does a Environmental Engineer make an hour?
The median hourly wage for environmental engineers is $46.41, which works out to about $96,530 per year for full-time work.
Which state pays environmental engineers the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median pay for environmental engineers at $125,489 per year — 30% above the national median of $96,530.
What is the salary range for environmental engineers?
Most environmental engineers earn between $63,710 and $140,934 per year. The middle 50% earn $78,189 to $119,697, with a median of $96,530.
Is becoming a Environmental Engineer a good career?
Employment is projected to grow 6% (faster than average), and the role typically requires bachelor's degree. With a median wage of $96,530 per year, it pays well above the U.S. median for all occupations.