As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Environmental Engineer in the United States is $75,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, an Entry Environmental Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Environmental Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Environmental Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Entry Environmental Engineer | $75,222 |
| Intermediate Level Entry Environmental Engineer | $75,933 |
| Senior Level Entry Environmental Engineer | $77,679 |
| Specialist Level Entry Environmental Engineer | $78,028 |
| Expert Level Entry Environmental Engineer | $78,261 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Environmental Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.38% |
| Design Engineering | 2.13% |
| Chemical Engineering | 1.52% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
CAD
|
$83,270 |
10%
|
|
3D Modeling
|
$83,270 |
10%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$80,999 |
7%
|
|
Alignment
|
$80,999 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$80,242 |
6%
|
|
Technical Writing
|
$80,242 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Environmental Engineers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Environmental Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $70,694 and $75,430).
Entry Environmental Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.7% |
| High School | 0.7% |
| Associates | 0.4% |
| Bachelors | 44.9% |
| Masters | 49.1% |
| Doctorate | 4.9% |
Understanding how an Entry Environmental Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026For an Entry Environmental Engineer, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Intermediate Environmental Engineer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $88,500 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Salaries for an Entry Environmental Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $66,929 in 2023 to around $66,740 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Environmental Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $66,929 |
| 2024 | $67,386 |
| 2025 | $66,740 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A good entry-level salary for an Environmental Engineer in the US ranges from $67,100 to $84,100 annually, with a median salary of $75,300. This reflects a competitive compensation for those starting in the field, aligning with industry standards for entry-level positions.
Environmental engineers are hired across various sectors, including government, transportation, remediation and waste management, water and sewage, consulting (management, technical, scientific), oil, gas, coal, construction, and architectural and engineering services. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries ranging from $67,100 to $84,100, with a median salary of $75,300.
Environmental engineering is in high demand across the USA, with many job opportunities available, particularly in the chemical industry, architecture, and waste management sectors. Entry-level environmental engineers can expect salaries ranging from $67,100 to $84,100, with a mid-salary of approximately $75,300 as they gain experience.
Yes, Engineer I is classified as an entry-level position. The salary for an Entry Environmental Engineer typically ranges from $67,100 to $84,100, with a midpoint of $75,300. This reflects the starting compensation for individuals in this role, making it suitable for those beginning their careers in environmental engineering.
A beginner environmental engineer in the USA typically earns between $67,100 and $84,100 annually, with a median salary of around $75,300. This range reflects the entry-level compensation in the field, which can vary based on location and specific employer.
The lowest salary for an Entry Environmental Engineer is $67,100. The median salary is $75,300, while the highest salary can reach up to $84,100. This reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the field.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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