As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Environmental Protection in the United States is $51,755 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, an Environmental Protection's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Environmental Protection'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 Protection'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Environme... Level Environmental Protection | $50,571 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Protection | $59,141 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Protection | $65,911 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Protection | $81,915 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Protection | $88,193 |
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 Protections. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Consulting | 7.11% |
| Waste Management | 3.15% |
| Data Collection | 1.76% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Packaging
|
$68,317 |
32%
|
|
Waste Management
|
$63,659 |
23%
|
|
Environmental Protection
|
$62,106 |
20%
|
|
Chemistry
|
$61,589 |
19%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$61,071 |
18%
|
|
Time Management
|
$61,071 |
18%
|
For Environmental Protection 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 Protection positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Environmental Protection as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $67,282 | $32.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $64,694 | $31.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $62,106 | $30.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $54,343 | $26.0 | 5% |
| Chemicals | $54,343 | $26.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Environmental Protections 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 Protection with a Bachelor's Degree is between $54,469 and $57,986).
Environmental Protection Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how an Environmental Protection'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, 2026Salaries for an Environmental Protection can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $47,919 in 2023 to around $47,677 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Environmental Protection salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $47,919 |
| 2024 | $47,941 |
| 2025 | $47,677 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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