Environmental Engineer Salary in USA 2025
Sustainability, compliance, and public vs private sector
Total Compensation Range
How Much Do Environmental Engineers Earn in 2025?
Environmental engineers apply engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry principles to develop solutions to environmental problems, including water/air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and sustainability initiatives.
2025 environmental engineer salaries show solid earning potential with total compensation ranging from $88,000–$219,000. Entry-level positions start around $65,000–$75,000, while government senior roles reach $144,803 base with total compensation around $219,000 when pension value is included.
Sector variation is significant: Private sector environmental consultants earn $105,000–$115,000, while government positions offer $88,000–$144,803 with exceptional benefits (pensions, PSLF eligibility). The sustainability focus is growing—climate change, renewable energy, and corporate ESG initiatives are driving increased demand and competitive salaries. Experienced environmental engineers reach $100K+ easily. For context, see the average salary in the US.
Environmental Engineer Salary by Experience and Sector
2025 salary survey data shows significant variation by sector and experience:
| Experience / Sector | Gross Salary | Bonus | Total Comp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Government (CA) | $144,803 | N/A | ~$219,000 |
| Experienced Private Consultant | $105,000 | $8K–$10K | $113K–$115K |
| Mid-Career (2024) | $86,354 | $9,632 | ~$96,000 |
| Mid-Career Government | $88,000 | Unknown | $88,000+ |
| Entry-Level (US est.) | $65K–$75K | Varies | $70K–$80K |
Senior Government Environmental Engineer (California)
Gross salary: $144,803
Total annual compensation: ~$219,000 (including employer benefits and pension value)
Retirement: CalPERS pension (6.75% employee, 7% employer contribution) + 457(b) match up to $250
Pension worth ~$45,000–$75,000 annually in retirement income.
Experienced Private Consultant
Gross salary: $105,000
Bonus: $8,000–$10,000 (year-end variable, performance-based)
Total compensation: $113,000–$115,000
Retirement: 100% match on first 6% + additional 3% employer contribution
Mid-Career Environmental Engineer
Gross salary: $86,354 (with 3-4% annual increases expected)
Bonus: $9,632 (KPI-based)
Total compensation: ~$96,000
Entry-Level (US Estimate)
Salary: $65,000–$75,000
Focus: Learning environmental systems, supporting senior engineers, field sampling, report preparation.
Public vs. Private Sector Comparison
The sector choice significantly impacts total compensation and lifestyle:
| Factor | Government/Public | Private Consulting |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | Lower (-10–20%) | Higher baseline |
| Total Value | Equal+ (pension) | Moderate |
| Job Security | Excellent | Moderate |
| Work-Life Balance | Superior | Demanding |
| Benefits | Pension, PSLF | 401(k) standard |
| Career Growth | Structured, slower | Merit-based, faster |
Government/Public Sector
Typical pay range: $65,000–$145,000 depending on level and location
Major benefits: Defined benefit pension (CalPERS, state pensions) worth $40K–$75K annually in retirement, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility, superior job security, better work-life balance, meaningful public service mission.
Employers: EPA, state environmental agencies, municipalities, water districts, public works departments
Private Sector (Environmental Consulting)
Typical pay range: $70,000–$130,000+ base with performance bonuses
Performance bonuses: $8K–$15K annually
Pros: Higher cash compensation, diverse projects, faster career advancement
Cons: Longer hours, billable hour pressure, less job security
Major employers: AECOM, Jacobs, Tetra Tech, Arcadis, WSP, Stantec
Environmental Engineer Salary by Specialization
Specialization impacts compensation and career growth:
| Specialization | Typical Range | Growth Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainability/ESG | $90K–$135K | Excellent |
| Remediation/Site Cleanup | $85K–$125K | Strong |
| Air Quality/Emissions | $80K–$120K | Growing |
| Water Resources | $75K–$115K | Stable, essential |
| Regulatory Compliance | $75K–$115K | Stable |
Sustainability/ESG (Fastest-Growing)
Range: $90,000–$135,000
Focus: Corporate sustainability, carbon footprint, renewable energy, ESG reporting
Highest-paying and fastest-growing specialty due to corporate focus on climate commitments.
Remediation/Site Cleanup
Range: $85,000–$125,000
Focus: Contaminated site cleanup, brownfield redevelopment, CERCLA/Superfund
Consulting-heavy with strong private sector opportunities.
Water Resources/Wastewater
Range: $75,000–$115,000
Focus: Water treatment, distribution, wastewater systems, stormwater
Strong demand due to essential infrastructure and aging systems.
What Environmental Engineers Do: Role and Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Environmental impact assessments, regulatory compliance, pollution control system design, waste management, remediation oversight, sustainability program development, and permitting.
Work Environments
Consulting firms, government agencies, manufacturing plants, corporate offices, and field sites.
Essential Tools
Environmental modeling software, GIS, AutoCAD, data analysis tools, and regulatory databases.
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Excellent Outlook
Climate change, sustainability mandates, and infrastructure investment driving strong demand. ESG boom is creating new positions as corporations focus on environmental, social, and governance initiatives.
Career Progression
Engineering track: Environmental Engineer → Senior Environmental Engineer → Principal Engineer/Project Manager → Director of Environmental Services
Sustainability track: Environmental Engineer → Sustainability Manager → Director of Sustainability → Chief Sustainability Officer
How to Increase Your Environmental Engineer Salary
Gain Experience
Senior government engineers earn $144,803 versus entry-level $65K–$75K.
Target Private Consulting
Consultants earn $105K base + $8K–$10K bonus.
Specialize in Sustainability/ESG
Highest-paying ($90K–$135K) and fastest-growing specialty.
Consider Government for Total Value
$219K total comp with pension benefits.
Earn PE License
Professional Engineer credential increases earning potential and advancement.
Develop Cross-Functional Skills
Project management, data analytics, and GIS add value.
Target Corporate Sustainability Roles
Fortune 500 companies pay premiums for in-house sustainability engineers.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average environmental engineer salary in 2025?
Environmental engineers earn $65,000–$145,000 base depending on experience and sector. Total compensation ranges from $88,000–$219,000 when benefits and pension values are included. Entry-level starts at $65K–$75K, mid-career $88K–$105K, and senior roles $115K–$145K+.
Do government or private sector environmental engineers earn more?
Private sector pays 10–20% higher base salaries ($105K+ versus $88K–$145K government). However, government total compensation often equals or exceeds private when pension value ($40K–$75K annually in retirement) is factored in. Senior California government environmental engineers earn ~$219K total compensation.
What is the highest-paying environmental engineering specialization?
Sustainability/ESG ($90,000–$135,000) is the highest-paying and fastest-growing specialty. Corporate focus on climate commitments and ESG reporting is driving strong demand and premium compensation.
Is environmental engineering a good career in 2025?
Yes, excellent. Strong demand driven by climate change, sustainability mandates, and infrastructure investment. Competitive salaries ($65K–$219K total comp), diverse career paths (consulting, government, corporate), and meaningful work addressing environmental challenges. ESG focus creating new opportunities.
Do environmental engineers need a PE license?
PE license is valuable but not always required. It increases earning potential, enables project signing authority, and accelerates advancement, especially in consulting and government roles. Many environmental engineers pursue PE licensure after 4 years of experience.