verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Environmental Engineer Salary

Median Annual Salary
$107,110/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$51.50/hr

Salary Distribution (10th to 90th Percentile)

trending_up 10-Yr Growth
+6% Faster than average
school Entry Education
Bachelor's degree
work Total Jobs (U.S.)
38,340

Estimated Pay by Experience Level

Entry-Level (10th Pct)
$69,990
$33.65/hr
Median
Mid-Level (50th Pct)
$107,110
$51.50/hr
Senior-Level (90th Pct)
$162,220
$77.99/hr

Salary by State

Median annual
StateMedian / yrRelative pay
Louisiana $130,510
California $130,410
Oregon $127,100
Washington $125,460
Texas $123,060
Nebraska $120,620
Idaho $117,520
Florida $116,840
National Median $107,110

View all 50 states arrow_forward

The highest sticker pay isn't always where environmental engineers keep the most. See Environmental Engineer pay adjusted for cost of living by state in the Real Pay Index.

How to Become a Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers use engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to solve problems in the environment.

1

Meet the education requirement

Most environmental engineers enter the field with bachelor's degree. Programs are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and universities.

2

Complete an accredited training program

Hands-on coursework and clinical or field experience prepare you for the work and for certification exams.

3

Earn the Professional Engineer (PE) license

Most employers expect this credential — and in many states it's required to practice. Entry pay starts near $69,990 and rises toward $162,220 with experience.

Environmental Engineer salary: common questions

How much does a Environmental Engineer make an hour?

The median hourly wage for environmental engineers is $51.50, which works out to about $107,110 per year for full-time work.

Which state pays environmental engineers the most?

Louisiana has the highest median pay for environmental engineers at $130,510 per year — 22% above the national median of $107,110.

What is the salary range for environmental engineers?

Most environmental engineers earn between $69,990 and $162,220 per year. The middle 50% earn $83,570 to $134,420, with a median of $107,110.

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 $107,110 per year, it pays well above the U.S. median for all occupations.

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