As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Environmental Planner III in Virginia is $98,318 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, an Environmental Planner III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Environmental Planner III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $107,966 | $8,997 | $2,076 | $52 |
| Average | $98,318 | $8,193 | $1,891 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,841 | $7,320 | $1,689 | $42 |
Anchor QEA - Norfolk, VA
Sentara Healthcare - Virginia Beach, VA
Sentara Healthcare - Suffolk, VA
Campbell County - Rustburg, VA
An Environmental Planner III'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Environmental Planner III'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 Planner I | 0-2 years | $67,284 |
| Environmental Planner II | 2-4 years | $81,398 |
| Environmental Planner III | 4-7 years | $98,318 |
| Environmental Planner IV | 7+ years | $113,970 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Environmental Planner III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $109,968. While startup companies pay approximate $93,000.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $93,000 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $98,362 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $106,195 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $109,968 |
For Environmental Planner III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Environmental Planner positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Environmental Planner III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $147,478 | $71.0 | 50% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $127,814 | $61.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $117,982 | $57.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Environmental Planner III'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $107,966 | $8,997 | $2,076 | $52 |
| Average | $98,318 | $8,193 | $1,891 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,841 | $7,320 | $1,689 | $42 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Environmental Planner III, 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Planner IV | $113,970 | 16% |
| Sustainability Analyst III | $119,073 | 21% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Environmental Planner III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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