As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Environmental Associate in the United States is $103,174 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, an Environmental Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Environmental Associate'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 Associate'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Environmental Associate | $99,215 |
| Intermediate Level Environmental Associate | $99,506 |
| Senior Level Environmental Associate | $100,960 |
| Specialist Level Environmental Associate | $103,478 |
| Expert Level Environmental Associate | $106,517 |
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 Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 4.52% |
| Healthcare Services | 3.43% |
| Environmental Science | 1.43% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Consulting
|
$111,428 |
8%
|
|
Environmental Science
|
$110,396 |
7%
|
|
Project Management
|
$110,396 |
7%
|
|
Team Management
|
$109,364 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$109,364 |
6%
|
|
Program Management
|
$109,364 |
6%
|
For Environmental Associate roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Energy & Utilities, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Environmental Associate positions in MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Environmental Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $134,126 | $64.0 | 30% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Environmental Associates 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 Associate with a Bachelor's Degree is between $106,160 and $112,030).
Environmental Associate Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 13.9% |
| Associates | 5.0% |
| Bachelors | 53.3% |
| Masters | 23.9% |
| Doctorate | 3.3% |
Understanding how an Environmental Associate'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, 2026Salaries for an Environmental Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $82,891 in 2023 to around $81,915 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Environmental Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $82,891 |
| 2024 | $82,574 |
| 2025 | $81,915 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Environmental Associate roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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