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Environmental Assistant I Salary in the United States

How much does an Environmental Assistant I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Environmental Assistant I in the United States is $51,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

However, an Environmental Assistant I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $61,906
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $47,990 to $56,990
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,712
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Environmental Assistant I Salaries

An Environmental Assistant I'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.

How Experience Level Affects Environmental Assistant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Environmental Assistant I'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:

  • Environmental Assistant I (0-1 years): $51,599
  • Environmental Analysis Technician II (1-3 years): $60,352
  • Environmental Analysis Technician III (3-5 years): $67,262
  • Environmental Analysis Technician IV (5-7 years): $83,582
  • Environmental Analysis Supervisor (7+ years): $89,979
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Environmental Assistant I0-1 years$51,599
Environmental Analysis Technician II1-3 years$60,352
Environmental Analysis Technician III3-5 years$67,262
Environmental Analysis Technician IV5-7 years$83,582
Environmental Analysis Supervisor7+ years$89,979
View as Graph

How Do Environmental Assistant I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Environmental Assistant Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $57,190.
  • California: $56,990.
  • Massachusetts: $56,190.

Top Paying Cities for Environmental Assistant Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $65,090
  • San Francisco: $64,390
  • Oakland: $63,090

What Skills Can Increase an Environmental Assistant I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Consulting (Mentioned in 7.11% Job Postings): Providing technical or business expertise and advice to internal or external clients.
  • Waste Management (Mentioned in 3.15% Job Postings): The collection, transportation, handling, and disposal process of dealing with removal of human waste.
  • Data Collection (Mentioned in 1.76% Job Postings): Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on targeted variables in an established system, which then enables one to answer relevant questions and evaluate outcomes. Data collection is a component of research in all fields of study including physical and social sciences, humanities, and business. While methods vary by discipline, the emphasis on ensuring accurate and honest collection remains the same. The goal for all data collection is to capture quality evidence that allows analysis to lead to the formulation of convincing and credible answers to the questions that have been posed.
Skills Demand Percentage
Consulting 7.11%
Waste Management 3.15%
Data Collection 1.76%
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What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Environmental Assistant I's salary.

  • Packaging: Can increase your salary by up to 32%.
  • Waste Management: Can increase your salary by up to 23%.
  • Environmental Protection: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Packaging $68,099
32%
Waste Management $63,456
23%
Environmental Protection $61,908
20%
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Environmental Assistant I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Environmental Assistant I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $57,654. While startup companies pay approximate $48,769.

Environmental Assistant I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $48,769
Growth Stage 51~500 $51,579
Established 501~5000 $55,672
Enterprise 5000+ $57,654

Environmental Assistant I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Environmental Assistant I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Environmental Assistant positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Environmental Assistant I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Environmental Assistant I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$67,067$32.030%
Software & Networking$64,488$31.025%
Energy & Utilities$61,908$30.020%
Aerospace & Defense$54,170$26.05%
Chemicals$54,170$26.05%

How Education impacts an Environmental Assistant I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Environmental Assistant Is 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 Environmental Assistant I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $54,259 and $57,753).

Environmental Assistant I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Environmental Assistant I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 10.5%
High School 10.5%
Associates 16.4%
Bachelors 62.5%
Masters 10.5%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Environmental Assistant I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Environmental Assistant I'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 September 01, 2026
$47,990
Average $51,590/year
$56,990
$3,999
Average $4,299/month
$4,749
$923
Average $992/week
$1,096
$23
Average $25/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $56,990 $4,749 $1,096 $27
Average $51,590 $4,299 $992 $25
25th Percentile $47,990 $3,999 $923 $23

Environmental Assistant I Salary Growth & Career Path

Environmental Assistant I

Next Role

Advancement

For an Environmental Assistant I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Environmental Analysis Technician II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $60,400 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Environmental Assistant I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Environmental Assistant I

Here are companies hiring for Environmental Assistant I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Environmental Assistant I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Environmental Assistant I?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Environmental Assistant I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. Is environmental services a good job?

Working in environmental services can be a rewarding career, offering a salary range from $51,290 to $65,590. The demand for these roles is stable and growing, particularly in healthcare, where they are essential for infection prevention and control. This field provides both challenges and opportunities for professional growth.

3. Which profession makes the most annual income?

While many professions earn high salaries, the Environmental Assistant has a salary range of $51,290 to $65,590 annually. This is significantly lower than top earners like surgeons and anesthesiologists, who can make over $300,000. However, the role is vital for environmental protection and sustainability efforts.

4. What do you need to be an environmental assistant?

To become an Environmental Assistant, you need a diploma in fields such as Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, or Sewerage Technician from a recognized institution. Proficiency in computer applications is also essential. The salary for this position ranges from $51,290 to $65,590, with a mid-range salary of $57,890.

5. How much does environmental services make an hour?

The average hourly rate for Environmental Assistants ranges from approximately $24.65 to $31.53, based on annual salaries of $51,290 to $65,590. Factors such as location, education, and experience can influence these earnings, with higher salaries often found in states like California.

6. How much does an environmental assistant make?

Environmental assistants typically earn between $51,290 and $65,590 annually, with a mid-salary of $57,890. Factors such as location, education, and experience can influence these figures. The average hourly rate for environmental assistants is approximately $27.80. Salaries may vary, with higher averages often found in states like California.

7. What is an environmental assistant?

An Environmental Assistant works under general supervision to prepare case files for hearings, conduct routine field inspections for compliance, and handle complaints by researching and collecting data. The salary for this position ranges from $51,290 to $65,590, with a mid-range salary of $57,890, reflecting the importance of their role in environmental protection.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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