As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Environmental Planner- Lead in the United States is $113,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.
However, an Environmental Planner- Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Environmental Planner- Lead'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 Environmental Planner- Lead'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Project Planner I | 0-2 years | $66,816 |
| Environmental Project Planner II | 2-4 years | $80,832 |
| Environmental Project Planner IV | 4-7 years | $97,635 |
| Environmental Planner- Lead | 7+ years | $113,178 |
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 Environmental Planner- Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 31.03% |
| Project Planning | 1.74% |
| Sustainability | 1.16% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Business Development
|
$136,972 |
21%
|
|
Diversity and Inclusion
|
$132,444 |
17%
|
|
Renewable Energy
|
$131,312 |
16%
|
|
Project Management
|
$130,180 |
15%
|
|
Partnering
|
$129,048 |
14%
|
|
Environmental Consulting
|
$129,048 |
14%
|
Environmental Planner- Lead salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $126,613. While startup companies pay approximate $107,077.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $107,077 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $113,251 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $122,269 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $126,613 |
For Environmental Planner- Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Environmental Planner- Lead positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Environmental Planner- Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $152,820 | $73.0 | 35% |
| Financial Services | $147,160 | $71.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $141,500 | $68.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $135,840 | $65.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $135,840 | $65.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Environmental Planner- Leads enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Planner- Lead with a No Diploma is between $120,216 and $128,100).
Environmental Planner- Lead Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 100.0% |
| High School | 0.0% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 100.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Environmental Planner- Lead'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 July 01, 2026For an Environmental Planner- Lead, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Environmental Research and Oversight Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $125,200 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.
Salaries for an Environmental Planner- Lead can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $101,443 in 2023 to around $100,069 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Environmental Planner- Lead salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $101,443 |
| 2024 | $100,975 |
| 2025 | $100,069 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Environmental Planner- Lead roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
A Lead Planner is responsible for overseeing project programs and controls, guiding client progress meetings, and fostering strong client relationships. They develop comprehensive project plans, defining scope, timelines, and milestones. The salary for this role ranges from $117,800 to $147,200, with a midpoint of $131,800.
Environmental planners are urban planners specializing in sustainable development. They strive to utilize land efficiently, integrating green building technologies and renewable energy into their designs while preserving ecosystems and sensitive areas. The salary for a lead environmental planner ranges from $117,800 to $147,200, with a midpoint of $131,800.
The average salary for an Environmental Planner - Lead ranges from $117,800 to $147,200 annually. This translates to an hourly rate of approximately $56.61 to $70.77, depending on experience and specific role responsibilities. Entry-level positions typically start at around $56.54 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn significantly more.
Yes, planners are in high demand. Employment of urban and regional planners is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, aligning with the average for all occupations. With an average salary range for Environmental Planner - Lead between $117,800 and $147,200, there will be about 3,600 job openings annually over the decade.
Lead Environmental Planners typically earn between $117,800 and $147,200 annually, with a median salary of around $131,800. This range reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities associated with the role, which can vary significantly based on location and experience.
The highest salary for an Environmental Consultant can reach up to $147,200 per year, based on the salary data for a Lead Environmental Planner. Salaries typically range from a minimum of $117,800 to a mid-level of $131,800, depending on experience and the specific employer.
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