Environmental Engineer: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Environmental Engineers earn a national median of $104,170/yr with 3.9% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Engineering and Technology, Design, Chemistry.

Median Salary

$104,170

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

3.9%

About as fast as average

Employed Nationally

37,950

2024 data

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Environmental Engineer

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Environmental Engineer candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Reading Comprehension 2 Active Listening 3 Writing 4 Speaking 5 Critical Thinking 6 Monitoring 7 Complex Problem Solving 8 Judgment and Decision Making 9 Active Learning 10 Coordination

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Environmental Engineer performance, based on verified occupational data.

Engineering and Technology Design Chemistry Mathematics Building and Construction

Tools & Technologies

High-demand tools and technologies for Environmental Engineer roles.

Autodesk AutoCAD Business software applications Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft PowerPoint Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D Bentley MicroStation C++ ESRI ArcGIS software Microsoft Access

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow 3.9% for Environmental Engineer roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's about as fast as average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
37,950
Projected Growth
3.9%
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Environmental Engineer do?
Environmental Engineers apply expertise in Engineering and Technology, Design, Chemistry to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking.
How much does a Environmental Engineer make?
The national median salary for a Environmental Engineer is $104,170 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Environmental Engineer a good career in 2026?
Employment for Environmental Engineer roles is projected to grow 3.9% over the 2024–2034 decade — about as fast as average compared to all occupations. There are currently 37,950 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Environmental Engineer?
The typical entry-level education for a Environmental Engineer is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Environmental Engineers need?
The most important skills for Environmental Engineer roles based on verified occupational data: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Active Learning, Coordination. Key tools and technologies include: Autodesk AutoCAD, Business software applications, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint.

Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?

Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.

Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.