As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for an Environmental Engineer III in the United States is $104,274 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, an Environmental Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Environmental Engineer 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Environmental Engineer 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 Engineer I | 0-2 years | $75,657 |
| Environmental Engineer II | 2-4 years | $88,410 |
| Environmental Engineer III | 4-7 years | $104,274 |
| Environmental Engineer IV | 7+ years | $127,518 |
| Environmental Engineer V | 7-10 years | $155,746 |
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 Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Consulting | 7% |
| AutoCAD | 1.75% |
| Field Engineering | 1.75% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$107,402 |
3%
|
|
Environmental Consulting
|
$107,402 |
3%
|
|
Design Engineering
|
$107,402 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$106,359 |
2%
|
|
AutoCAD
|
$106,359 |
2%
|
|
Chemical Engineering
|
$106,359 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Environmental Engineer IIIs 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 Engineer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $105,433 and $112,307).
Environmental Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 0.6% |
| Associates | 0.4% |
| Bachelors | 36.0% |
| Masters | 50.8% |
| Doctorate | 12.2% |
Understanding how an Environmental Engineer 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.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021For an Environmental Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Environmental Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $127,518 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.
Salaries for an Environmental Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $99,892 in 2023 to around $98,189 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Environmental Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $99,892 |
| 2024 | $99,190 |
| 2025 | $98,189 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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An Environmental Engineer III'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 Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Environmental Engineer III is $131,521.
The highest pay for Environmental Engineer III is $126,000.
The lowest pay for Environmental Engineer III is $89,334.
Responsible for providing engineering solutions to environmental issues. Conducts environmental experiments to identify, assess, and resolve problems concerning the environment. Analyzes environmental data, reports, and trends and makes recommendations for corrective action. May also design, install, operate, and maintain measuring apparatus to determine the level of pollutants involving air, land, and water. Ensures the organization's compliance with federal, state, and local environmental legislation. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
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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