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Environmental Engineers Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Environmental Engineers make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$130,410
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.2% vs 2024
$125,870
Mean Salary
$130,410
Median Salary
$62.70
Hourly Rate
4,550 people work as Environmental Engineers in California

Environmental Engineers salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Environmental Engineers salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Environmental Engineers in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $79,790$79,79025th25% earn less than $95,950$95,950MedianHalf earn more than $130,410$130,41075th75% earn less than $148,650$148,65090thTop 10% earn more than $170,790$170,790

Environmental Engineers in California earn a median salary of $130,410 per year ($10,867/month). This is 25.3% above the national average of $104,071. California ranks #2 out of 50 states for Environmental Engineers pay. Approximately 4,550 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 2.2% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Environmental Engineers

Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Writing
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Speaking
3.88

Key Knowledge Areas

Engineering and Technology
4.55
Mathematics
4.14
Chemistry
3.95
English Language
3.91
Design
3.82
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (63.6% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Environmental Engineers in California

Salaries for Environmental Engineers in California range from $79,790 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $170,790 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $95,950 and $148,650.

Median $130,410
P10: $79,790 P25: $95,950 P75: $148,650 P90: $170,790
10th
$79,790
25th
$95,950
Median
$130,410
75th
$148,650
90th
$170,790
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $79,790 $38.36 $6,649
25th Percentile $95,950 $46.13 $7,995
Median (50th) $130,410 $62.70 $10,867
75th Percentile $148,650 $71.47 $12,387
90th Percentile (Experienced) $170,790 $82.11 $14,232

Note: The mean (average) salary of $125,870 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#2
California ranks #2 of 50 states
$104,071
National avg. for Environmental Engineers
+25.3%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Environmental Engineers salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Environmental Engineers take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Environmental Engineers Data in California

Environmental Engineers Salary by State

Compare Environmental Engineers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Environmental Engineers make in California?
The median annual salary for Environmental Engineers in California is $130,410 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $125,870.
What is the salary range for a Environmental Engineers in California?
Salaries for Environmental Engineers in California range from $79,790 at the 10th percentile to $170,790 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $95,950 and $148,650.
What is the starting salary for a Environmental Engineers in California?
Entry-level Environmental Engineers positions in California typically start around $79,790 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $95,950 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Environmental Engineers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 4,550 people are employed as Environmental Engineers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Environmental Engineers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Environmental Engineers in California is approximately $62.70 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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