Research and science jobs offer pay well above the national average. Increased demand for STEM workers is increasing salaries in research and science. Jobs in these fields, however, often require higher education at the graduate level and/or specialized training. While domain-specific expertise gives workers in these fields access to very specialized jobs, there are also many employers who hire STEM workers for their general data and technology skills.
Environmental Engineer salary in US
A Environmental Engineer salary range in US can vary based on important factors such as education, skills, certifications, and years of experience. A Environmental Engineer in US can expect to see an entry level salary range of $48,145 to $82,460 per year, based on 13 salary contributions. At the highest seniority level, an experienced Environmental Engineer in US can make a salary range of $81,267 to $133,917 with at least 8 years of experience, based on 12 salary contributions. The top 3 companies in US where a Environmental Engineer gets the highest compensation are Apple Inc., Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Southern California Edison Company. Bigger companies typically pay 8.60% more than smaller companies for a Environmental Engineer.
Recent salaries shared by Environmental Engineer
50 salaries
Job Title | Years of Experience
Total Pay
Base • Additional pay
Location
Date submitted
Job Title | Years of Experience
Location
Date submitted
Total Pay
Base • Additional pay
Environmental Engineer
|
4-6 years
$86K/yr
($86K • $0)
New York, NY
submitted on Apr 21, 2026
$86K/yr
$86K • $0
Environmental Engineer
|
4-6 years
$60K - $70K/yr
Homestead, PA
submitted on Apr 15, 2026
$60K - $70K/yr
Environmental Engineer
|
7-9 years
$83K/yr
($83K • $0)
West Chester, PA
submitted on Apr 9, 2026
$83K/yr
$83K • $0
Environmental Engineer
|
10-14 years
$128K/yr
($128K • $0)
Reston, VA
submitted on Apr 9, 2026
$128K/yr
$128K • $0
Environmental Engineer
|
1-3 years
$63K/yr
($63K • $0)
Lakewood, CO
submitted on Mar 21, 2026
$63K/yr
$63K • $0
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Environmental Engineer
|
1-3 years
$69K - $81K/yr
New York, NY
submitted on Mar 16, 2026
$69K - $81K/yr
Environmental Engineer
|
7-9 years
$181K/yr
($141K • $40K)
Oklahoma City, OK
submitted on Mar 6, 2026
$181K/yr
$141K • $40K
Environmental Engineer
|
1-3 years
$55K/yr
($55K • $0)
Atlanta, GA
submitted on Mar 4, 2026
$55K/yr
$55K • $0
Environmental Engineer
|
7-9 years
$109K - $127K/yr
Reston, VA
submitted on Feb 18, 2026
$109K - $127K/yr
Environmental Engineer
|
7-9 years
$107K/yr
($104K • $3K)
Syracuse, NY
submitted on Feb 17, 2026
$107K/yr
$104K • $3K
Viewing 31 - 40 of 50
Top paying industries
The top 5 paying industries for Environmental Engineer in United States are Energy, Mining & Utilities with a median total pay of $150,819, Information Technology with a median total pay of $142,085, Financial Services with a median total pay of $120,425, Manufacturing with a median total pay of $118,318, and Aerospace & Defense with a median total pay of $118,173.
Frequently asked questions about Environmental Engineer salaries
The average salary for Environmental Engineer is $133,215 per year or $64 per hour, with top earners making up to $216,177 (90th percentile). Typically, pay ranges from $104,083 (25th percentile) to $172,545 (75th percentile) annually. Salary estimates are based on 3800 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Environmental Engineer employees.
The highest salary for Environmental Engineer is $172,545 per year, $14,379 per month or $83 per hour.
The lowest salary for Environmental Engineer is $104,083 per year, $8,674 per month or $50 per hour.
The salary trajectory of Environmental Engineer ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at $106,292 per year (estimate) and goes up to $295,390 per year (estimate) for the highest level of seniority.
Environmental engineers earn salaries that are on par with other engineering occupations, which is well above the average salary of all jobs. Environmental engineers who are employed by the federal government or working in a management position of private sector firms typically earn more than those who work for local or state governments. Environmental engineers can increase their earnings through advancement towards higher level, taking on more independent projects, eventually becoming technical specialists or supervisors.
Whether environmental engineers are satisfied with their salaries depends on factors such as bonuses, profit sharing programs, and stock options, which can collectively add $29,486.48 per year. Approximately 72% of engineers report that they're happy with their compensation.
When you want to increase your salary as an environmental engineer, you can start by building skills that are relevant to your specialty and the profession as a whole; examples include conducting inspections, auditing plants, and analyzing sustainability or energy initiatives. For some positions, you can earn more if you have relevant government certifications in areas such as hazardous waste management or storm water management.
If you're interested in going back to school, a master's degree in environmental engineering or environmental science can make you a good candidate for higher-paying jobs. You might also look into courses about local, state, and federal compliance, plant operations, and emissions control.
When you're ready to negotiate a better offer for your current position or new environmental engineer jobs, take a look at salary trends in your industry and location. Compare that to your current salary to determine a fair percentage increase.
Then, prepare to articulate the value you bring to the job. List your relevant certifications, and identify the skills and experiences that help you succeed in relation to the company's specific operations, compliance requirements, software programs, and permitting needs. You can also highlight your biggest career contributions — explain how you've standardized plant inspections, for example, or show the benefits of the sustainability program you designed.