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Environmental Planner II Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Environmental Planner II in the United States is $80,844 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $99,102
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $72,407 to $90,401
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $64,726

Key Factors That Influence Environmental Planner II Salaries

An Environmental Planner II'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 Planner II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Environmental Planner II'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 Planner I (0-2 years): $66,818
  • Environmental Planner II (2-4 years): $80,844
  • Environmental Planner III (4-7 years): $97,638
  • Environmental Planner IV (7+ years): $113,171
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Environmental Planner I0-2 years$66,818
Environmental Planner II2-4 years$80,844
Environmental Planner III4-7 years$97,638
Environmental Planner IV7+ years$113,171

Top Paying Cities for Environmental Planner IIs

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: $101,969
  • San Francisco: $100,852
  • Oakland: $98,727

What Skills Can Increase an Environmental Planner II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Planning (Mentioned in 31.41% 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.
  • Urban Planning (Mentioned in 2.26% Job Postings): To develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities in towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
  • Environmental Consulting (Mentioned in 1.45% Job Postings): Environmental consulting is often a form of compliance consulting, in which the consultant ensures that the client maintains an appropriate measure of compliance with environmental regulations. There are many types of environmental consultants, but the two main groups are those who enter the field from the industry side, and those who enter the field from the environmentalist side. Environmental consultants work in a very wide variety of fields. Whether it be providing construction services such as Asbestos Hazard Assessments or Lead Hazard Assessments or conducting due diligence reports for customers to rid them of possible sanctions. Consultancies may generalize across a wide range of disciplines or specialize in certain areas of environmental consultancy such as waste management. Environmental consultants usually have an undergraduate degree and sometimes even master's degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geology, or some other science discipline. They should have deep knowledge on environmental regulations, which they can advise particular clients in the private industry or public government institutions to help them steer clear of possible fines, legal action or misguided transactions.
Skills Demand Percentage
Planning 31.41%
Urban Planning 2.26%
Environmental Consulting 1.45%

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 Planner II's salary.

  • Business Development: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Environmental Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Scheduling: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Business Development $87,312
8%
Environmental Consulting $86,503
7%
Scheduling $86,503
7%

Environmental Planner II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Environmental Planner II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $90,347. While startup companies pay approximate $76,424.

Environmental Planner II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $76,424
Growth Stage 51~500 $80,826
Established 501~5000 $87,241
Enterprise 5000+ $90,347

Environmental Planner II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Environmental Planner II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 53% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 28% above the average. In contrast, Environmental Planner positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Environmental Planner II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Environmental Planner II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$103,480$50.028%
Aerospace & Defense$90,545$44.012%
Energy & Utilities$88,928$43.010%
Software & Networking$88,928$43.010%
Internet$88,120$42.09%

How Education impacts an Environmental Planner II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Environmental Planner II enter the field with a Bachelor's 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 II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $89,403 and $97,340.

Environmental Planner II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Environmental Planner II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 5.9%
High School 41.2%
Associates 5.9%
Bachelors 41.2%
Masters 47.1%
Doctorate 5.9%

Environmental Planner II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Environmental Planner II'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
$72,407
Average $80,844/year
$90,401
$6,034
Average $6,737/month
$7,533
$1,392
Average $1,555/week
$1,738
$35
Average $39/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $90,401 $7,533 $1,738 $43
Average $80,844 $6,737 $1,555 $39
25th Percentile $72,407 $6,034 $1,392 $35

Environmental Planner II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Environmental Planner II, 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 Planner II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Environmental Planner III $97,638 21%
Sustainability Analyst II $102,730 27%

Most common benefits for Environmental Planner II

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

Common company salaries for Environmental Planner II

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

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FAQ about Environmental Planner II

1. Where can an Environmental Planner II earn the most?

An Environmental Planner II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Environmental Planner II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Environmental Planner II is $101,969.

2. What is the highest pay for Environmental Planner II?

The highest pay for Environmental Planner II is $99,102.

3. What is the lowest pay for Environmental Planner II?

The lowest pay for Environmental Planner II is $64,726.

4. What are the responsibilities of Environmental Planner II?

Plans, prepares, and monitors environmental research and evaluates potential impact of assigned projects. Ensures environmental projects are in compliance with the state and federal regulations. Estimate the level of pollutants involving air, land, and water to devise mitigating measures. Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty or in a related area. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Environmental Planner II?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Environmental Planner II roles, with salaries approximately 28% above the market median.

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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