As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Environmental Inspector in Columbia, IL is $57,317 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, an Environmental Inspector's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Environmental Inspector'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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Environmental Inspector'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 Inspector | $49,306 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Inspector | $57,666 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Inspector | $64,268 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Inspector | $79,867 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Inspector | $85,984 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Consulting | 4.15% |
| Environmental Protection | 3.78% |
| Safety Procedures | 2.72% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Prioritization
|
$67,060 |
17%
|
|
Service Operations
|
$63,621 |
11%
|
|
Mechanical Maintenance
|
$61,329 |
7%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$61,329 |
7%
|
|
Chemistry
|
$60,756 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$60,756 |
6%
|
For Environmental Inspector roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Environmental Inspector positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Environmental Inspector as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $68,780 | $33.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Environmental Inspector'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 August 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Environmental Inspector job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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