Environmental engineers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$104,170
~$50/hr · ~$8,681/mo
US Jobs
39K
As fast as average
AI & Automation Risk
6/10
Moderate
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate 6/10
Environmental engineering involves a significant amount of digital knowledge work, including data analysis, system design, and report writing, which are highly susceptible to AI augmentation. However, the role is insulated by the necessity for physical site inspections, regulatory compliance monitoring in the field, and the legal accountability associated with Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midland, TXBEST VALUE | $139,230 | Below avg (95.4) | $145,969 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $131,810 | Below avg (91.2) | $144,459 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $130,650 | Below avg (91.2) | $143,205 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $138,090 | Average (98.9) | $139,647 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $125,950 | Below avg (90.8) | $138,727 |
| Decatur, AL | $122,010 | Below avg (89.2) | $136,779 |
| Redding, CA | $137,810 | Above avg (103.0) | $133,795 |
| Bend, OR | $140,590 | Above avg (105.3) | $133,544 |
| Salem, OR | $130,890 | Average (102.5) | $127,749 |
| Cheyenne, WY | $115,740 | Below avg (91.6) | $126,323 |
| Wilmington, NC | $119,350 | Below avg (95.4) | $125,050 |
| Rochester, MN | $115,600 | Below avg (93.0) | $124,357 |
| Billings, MT | $111,110 | Below avg (90.3) | $122,977 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $115,070 | Below avg (94.2) | $122,124 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area | $130,440 | Above avg (107.0) | $121,894 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+4% (As fast as average)
Hourly Rate
~$50/hr
Monthly Income
~$8,681/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)