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Environmental Project Planner I Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Environmental Project Planner I in the United States is $66,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $83,139
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $58,900 to $75,400
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $51,616

Key Factors That Influence Environmental Project Planner I Salaries

An Environmental Project Planner I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Environmental Project Planner 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 Project Planner Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $74,000.
  • California: $73,800.
  • Massachusetts: $72,800.

Top Paying Cities for Environmental Project Planner 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: $84,300
  • San Francisco: $83,400
  • Oakland: $81,600

What Skills Can Increase an Environmental Project Planner I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Planning (Mentioned in 40.31% Job Postings): An act or process of making or carrying out plans. Establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit city planning business planning.
  • Supply Chain (Mentioned in 1.77% Job Postings): A supply chain encompasses everything from the delivery of source materials from the supplier to the manufacturer through to its eventual delivery to the end user.
  • Community Development (Mentioned in 1.3% Job Postings): The United Nations defines community development as "a process where community members come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems." It is a broad concept, applied to the practices of civic leaders, activists, involved citizens, and professionals to improve various aspects of communities, typically aiming to build stronger and more resilient local communities. Community development is also understood as a professional discipline, and is defined by the International Association for Community Development (www.iacdglobal.org), the global network of community development practitioners and scholars, as "a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes participative democracy, sustainable development, rights, economic opportunity, equality and social justice, through the organisation, education and empowerment of people within their communities, whether these be of locality, identity or interest, in urban and rural settings".
Skills Demand Percentage
Planning 40.31%
Supply Chain 1.77%
Community Development 1.3%

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 Project Planner I's salary.

  • Purchasing: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Organizational Skills: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Purchasing $74,259
11%
Organizational Skills $69,576
4%
Commitment $69,576
4%

Environmental Project Planner I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Environmental Project Planner I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $74,764. While startup companies pay approximate $63,242.

Environmental Project Planner I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $63,242
Growth Stage 51~500 $66,885
Established 501~5000 $72,194
Enterprise 5000+ $74,764

Environmental Project Planner I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Environmental Project Planner 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 Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Environmental Project Planner positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Environmental Project Planner I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Environmental Project Planner I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$83,625$40.025%
Financial Services$80,280$39.020%
Software & Networking$80,280$39.020%
Energy & Utilities$76,935$37.015%
Pharmaceuticals$76,935$37.015%

How Education impacts an Environmental Project Planner I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Environmental Project Planner Is 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 Project Planner I with a No Diploma is between $62,900 and $68,730).

Environmental Project Planner I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Environmental Project Planner I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 6.5%
High School 6.5%
Associates 3.2%
Bachelors 35.5%
Masters 51.6%
Doctorate 3.2%

Environmental Project Planner I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Environmental Project Planner 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
$58,900
Average $66,900/year
$75,400
$4,908
Average $5,575/month
$6,283
$1,133
Average $1,287/week
$1,450
$28
Average $32/hour
$36
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $75,400 $6,283 $1,450 $36
Average $66,900 $5,575 $1,287 $32
25th Percentile $58,900 $4,908 $1,133 $28

Environmental Project Planner I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Environmental Project Planner I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Environmental Project Planner I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Environmental Project Planner II $80,900 21%
Environmental Research and Oversight Analyst I $78,300 17%

Most common benefits for Environmental Project Planner I

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

Common company salaries for Environmental Project Planner I

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

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FAQ about Environmental Project Planner I

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Environmental Project Planner I roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. What is the hourly rate for a planner?

The average salary for an Environmental Project Planner ranges from £65,100 to £84,700 annually, with a midpoint of £74,300. This translates to an hourly rate of approximately £31.25 to £40.67, depending on experience and specific role within the field. Entry-level positions typically start at £31.25 per hour, while experienced planners can earn up to £40.67 per hour.

3. What is the highest salary for environmental consultant?

The highest salary for an Environmental Project Planner typically ranges from $65,100 to $84,700, with a mid-salary of $74,300. In comparison, top-paying companies for environmental consultants can offer significantly higher salaries, with some reaching up to $207,000 per year.

4. What does an environmental planner do?

Environmental planners are urban planners specializing in sustainable development. They strive to utilize land efficiently by integrating green building technologies and renewable energy into their designs while preserving ecosystems and environmentally sensitive areas. The salary for an Environmental Project Planner typically ranges from $65,100 to $84,700, with a mid-point of $74,300.

5. What degree do you need to be a planner?

To become an Environmental Project Planner, a minimum of a bachelor's degree is required, although those with this degree often start as assistants or junior planners. Most professionals in this field hold a master's degree in urban planning. The salary for this role typically ranges from $65,100 to $84,700, with a mid-range salary of $74,300.

6. What are the three types of environmental planning?

The three types of environmental planning include urban development, regional development, and natural resource management with integrated land use. As an Environmental Project Planner, you can expect a salary range from $65,100 to $84,700, with a midpoint of $74,300, reflecting the importance of these planning areas in sustainable development.

7. What degree do you need to be a project planner?

To become an Environmental Project Planner, you typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. The salary for this position ranges from $65,100 to $84,700, with a median salary of $74,300, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in environmental planning.

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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