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How much does a Environmental Specialist make?

The average salary for a Environmental Specialist is $61,318 per year in the US.

Environmental Specialists make an average yearly salary of about $61,318. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and company. Many factors can influence how much a Specialist can earn. For example, someone with more experience will typically make more. Likewise, those who work in larger cities may earn higher salaries than those in smaller towns.

Here are some typical salaries for different levels of experience:

  • Entry-level: $30,445
  • Mid-level: $57,542
  • Senior-level: $102,703
The highest earners, making around $129,800, often have many years of experience and advanced certifications.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Environmental Specialist?

Sacramento, CA, offers some of the highest salaries for Environmental Specialists, averaging around $90,578 per year. Job seekers can expect competitive pay and numerous opportunities in this field. Another top city is Milwaukee, WI, where Environmental Specialists can earn about $87,266 annually. Philadelphia, PA, provides a strong market for Environmental Specialists, with average salaries around $84,452. Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA, also offer attractive compensation packages. Cities like Lansing, MI, Houston, TX, Minneapolis, MN, Buffalo, NY, and Louisville, KY, provide solid salaries, making these areas attractive to job seekers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Environmental Specialist jobs, highlighting Sacramento, CA with the highest at $90,578 and Louisville, KY with the lowest at $75,141.
  1. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $90,578
    In Sacramento, working as an environmental specialist involves collaborating with the state government on environmental projects. Companies like ARCO Chemicals and Blue Shield of California offer opportunities to impact local sustainability initiatives.
    Find Environmental Specialist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  2. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $87,266
    Milwaukee boasts several industrial opportunities for environmental specialists. They work with firms like Johnson Controls and Rockwell Automation, focusing on pollution control and environmental compliance.
    Find Environmental Specialist jobs in Milwaukee, WI


  3. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $84,452
    Philadelphia offers a mix of urban and industrial settings for environmental specialists. They might find roles with companies like Comcast and Aramark, where they support environmental policies and practices.
    Find Environmental Specialist jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $84,201
    Seattle is home to many tech giants and environmental firms. Specialists here can work with companies like Microsoft and Boeing, addressing environmental challenges in a progressive city.
    Find Environmental Specialist jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $80,930
    Los Angeles provides diverse opportunities for environmental specialists. They can work with large companies like Disney and Mattel, focusing on air quality and waste management initiatives.
    Find Environmental Specialist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Lansing, MI
    Average Salary: $80,644
    Lansing offers roles that focus on regulatory compliance and environmental research. Specialists might work with the state government or companies like General Motors, supporting sustainable practices.
    Find Environmental Specialist jobs in Lansing, MI


  7. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $78,064
    In Houston, environmental specialists often work in the energy sector. They collaborate with firms like Shell and ExxonMobil, addressing environmental concerns in an oil-rich area.
    Find Environmental Specialist jobs in Houston, TX


  8. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $76,681
    Minneapolis has a growing demand for environmental specialists. They can find roles with companies like 3M and Target, focusing on sustainability and waste reduction initiatives.
    Find Environmental Specialist jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  9. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $76,409
    Buffalo offers a blend of industrial and environmental work. Specialists can work with companies like Moog and Tops Markets, focusing on environmental regulations and sustainability.
    Find Environmental Specialist jobs in Buffalo, NY


  10. Louisville, KY
    Average Salary: $75,141
    Louisville provides opportunities in both manufacturing and environmental sectors. Specialists might work with UPS or Brown-Forman, addressing environmental challenges in a vibrant city.
    Find Environmental Specialist jobs in Louisville, KY

What are the best companies a Environmental Specialist can work for?

Many Environmental Specialist jobs offer competitive salaries. Stantec, Marathon Petroleum, and Kimberly-Clark stand out with their higher average pay. These companies provide rewarding opportunities for those in this field. Seeking a job with a strong salary can lead to a great career. AECOM, the State of Washington, and the State of Ohio offer good compensation. Other states like Alaska and Minnesota also provide solid wages. This variety allows job seekers to find a good fit for their career goals.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Environmental Specialist jobs, highlighting Stantec with the highest at $130,924 and State of Minnesota with the lowest at $66,492.
  1. Stantec
    Average Salary: $130,924
    Stantec offers rewarding Environmental Specialist positions. They work across the globe in areas like civil, environmental, and geotechnical engineering. Locations include major cities in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.


  2. Marathon Petroleum
    Average Salary: $124,350
    Marathon Petroleum provides Environmental Specialist roles focused on safety and sustainability. The company operates refineries and related facilities across the United States, especially in Texas and Illinois.


  3. Kimberly-Clark
    Average Salary: $118,180
    Kimberly-Clark employs Environmental Specialists who ensure compliance with environmental regulations. They have facilities in various states across the U.S., including Texas and Wisconsin.


  4. Luster National
    Average Salary: $91,818
    Luster National hires Environmental Specialists to manage sustainability projects. They work in areas like water treatment and waste management, with projects in the Midwest and Southeast regions of the U.S.


  5. AECOM
    Average Salary: $84,733
    AECOM's Environmental Specialists focus on project management and environmental assessments. They work on projects in cities across the United States and internationally.


  6. State of Washington
    Average Salary: $75,940
    The State of Washington offers Environmental Specialist jobs that involve regulatory compliance and public health protection. Positions are available in major cities like Seattle and Spokane.


  7. State of Ohio
    Average Salary: $73,684
    Environmental Specialists in the State of Ohio work on environmental protection and resource management. Positions are available in cities such as Columbus and Cleveland.


  8. Environmental Conservation, Department of
    Average Salary: $72,503
    This department hires Environmental Specialists to oversee conservation efforts and natural resource management. They operate in various regions across the U.S.


  9. State of Alaska
    Average Salary: $67,532
    The State of Alaska offers Environmental Specialist roles focused on environmental protection and sustainability. Positions are available in cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks.


  10. State of Minnesota
    Average Salary: $66,492
    Environmental Specialists in the State of Minnesota focus on environmental assessment and sustainability projects. Opportunities exist in cities such as Minneapolis and St. Paul.

How to earn more as a Environmental Specialist?

Becoming an Environmental Specialist opens many doors, but how can one maximize their earning potential? Increasing earnings starts with enhancing skills and expanding one’s professional experience. Specializing in a niche area, such as water resource management or hazardous waste disposal, can open up higher-paying opportunities. Securing certifications from recognized bodies can also make a candidate more attractive to potential employers.

Networking plays a crucial role in career advancement. Building relationships with colleagues, attending industry conferences, and participating in professional organizations can lead to better job offers and higher salaries. Keeping up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies ensures one remains competitive in the job market. Investing in further education, such as a master's degree or specialized courses, can significantly increase earning potential.

Additionally, gaining experience in project management can help an Environmental Specialist move into higher-paying roles. Working on large-scale projects, managing teams, and delivering successful outcomes can lead to promotions and salary increases. Leveraging these strategies can help Environmental Specialists earn more in their careers.

  1. Specialize in a niche area
  2. Obtain relevant certifications
  3. Network with industry professionals
  4. Stay updated with industry trends
  5. Gain project management experience

Currently 362 Environmental Specialist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Environmental Specialist in the US?

Learn what a Environmental Specialist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Environmental Specialist today.
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Environmental Specialist
362 Job Openings