How much does a Environmental Specialist make?
Environmental Specialists work hard to protect our planet. They study the environment and help find ways to keep it safe. The salary for these professionals can vary based on their experience and where they work. On average, an Environmental Specialist makes about $62,101 a year. This is a good income for those in this field.
Some Environmental Specialists start with lower salaries. In the lowest 10th percentile, salaries start at around $31,960. As they gain more experience, their salary can increase. Those in the middle range can make between $50,522 and $69,084. Higher up, salaries can reach $106,207 or even $134,050 for the top earners. This shows that with more experience and the right skills, there is room to grow in this career.
What are the highest paying cities for a Environmental Specialist?
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $88,686
In Sacramento, environmental professionals help local businesses follow state regulations to reduce their carbon footprint. The city’s growing focus on renewable energy makes it an exciting place to work for those passionate about sustainability. Many opportunities exist with companies like Pacific Gas and Electric.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $87,156
Philadelphia offers a dynamic environment for those committed to protecting the environment. With a strong presence of organizations like the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, there are many roles focused on urban sustainability. This city is ideal for those looking to make a tangible impact on community health.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $84,167
Milwaukee provides a robust platform for environmental roles, especially with its focus on water conservation. Companies such as Johnson Controls play a key role in developing technologies that reduce environmental impact. Working here offers the chance to influence large-scale environmental policies.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $80,511
Los Angeles is a hub for environmental innovation, with numerous organizations like The Nature Conservancy seeking ways to tackle air quality issues. This city’s diverse industries make it a vibrant place for professionals aiming to contribute to large-scale environmental solutions.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $80,398
Seattle’s progressive stance on environmental issues makes it an attractive place for those in the field. With a thriving green economy, professionals here work on projects that focus on both urban and natural environments. Companies like Seattle Public Utilities provide opportunities to shape the city's green future.
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Lansing, MI
Average Salary: $79,736
Lansing offers a unique blend of urban and natural environments, providing a variety of roles for environmental professionals. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is a key employer, offering chances to work on environmental legislation and conservation.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $78,645
Houston, with its large energy sector, provides ample opportunities for environmental roles focused on sustainability and regulatory compliance. Companies such as Kinder Morgan are at the forefront of efforts to minimize environmental impact in the oil and gas industry.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $78,637
Minneapolis is known for its strong commitment to environmental stewardship, offering various roles in environmental planning and conservation. The city’s focus on green spaces and sustainable urban development makes it an exciting place to work.
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Tulsa, OK
Average Salary: $77,043
Tulsa offers diverse opportunities for environmental professionals, especially with its focus on energy and natural resources. Companies such as ONEOK provide a chance to work on innovative projects aimed at reducing environmental impact in the energy sector.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $76,779
Denver’s scenic environment and commitment to sustainability create an ideal setting for environmental professionals. With a strong focus on conservation, roles here involve working with both natural landscapes and urban environments to promote sustainability.
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What are the best companies a Environmental Specialist can work for?
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Stantec
Average Salary: $132,799
Stantec offers rewarding Environmental Specialist positions. They work on projects across the globe. Environmental Specialists at Stantec focus on environmental consulting, design, and engineering. They can find roles in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto.
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Marathon Petroleum
Average Salary: $125,725
Marathon Petroleum provides excellent salaries for Environmental Specialists. This company operates in many U.S. states. Specialists here work on sustainability and regulatory compliance. They often find jobs in states like Texas, California, and Illinois.
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Kimberly-Clark
Average Salary: $118,180
Kimberly-Clark values Environmental Specialists highly. This global company offers various roles in environmental health and safety. Specialists often work in manufacturing facilities in states like Georgia, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
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AECOM
Average Salary: $84,733
AECOM offers Environmental Specialist jobs with a focus on sustainable development. They operate worldwide. Specialists at AECOM work on projects related to environmental impact assessments and remediation. They can find roles in cities like London, Sydney, and San Francisco.
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State of Washington
Average Salary: $76,630
The State of Washington offers competitive salaries for Environmental Specialists. They focus on state and local environmental projects. Specialists often work in urban and rural areas across the state.
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State of Ohio
Average Salary: $72,974
The State of Ohio provides opportunities for Environmental Specialists in various government roles. They work on environmental protection and sustainability initiatives. Specialists can find jobs in cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.
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Fisher Associates
Average Salary: $72,215
Fisher Associates offers Environmental Specialist positions with a focus on environmental consulting. They have offices across the U.S. Specialists here work on projects related to environmental impact studies. They often find roles in states like Florida, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.
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Environmental Conservation, Department of
Average Salary: $70,600
The Department of Environmental Conservation offers roles for Environmental Specialists in state government. They focus on protecting natural resources. Specialists work in various locations throughout the state, ensuring environmental regulations are met.
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State of Minnesota
Average Salary: $70,147
The State of Minnesota offers jobs for Environmental Specialists in different government roles. They work on environmental protection and sustainability projects. Specialists often find roles in cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth.
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State of Alaska
Average Salary: $67,647
The State of Alaska provides Environmental Specialist positions focused on environmental protection and conservation. Specialists work in various locations, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and promoting sustainability.
How to earn more as a Environmental Specialist?
Working as an Environmental Specialist offers many opportunities for career growth and increased earnings. With the right approach, specialists can advance their positions and improve their salaries. Focus on gaining specialized skills and experience to stand out in the job market. Networking within the industry and seeking out professional development opportunities can also open up new earning potentials.
Environmental Specialists can increase their earning potential through various factors. The first is gaining advanced certifications, which can enhance credibility and open doors to higher-paying roles. Specializations in areas like hazardous waste management, renewable energy, or environmental law can also lead to better-paying positions. Another key factor is accumulating years of experience, as employers often offer higher salaries to more seasoned professionals. Seeking promotions and taking on leadership roles can further boost earnings. Lastly, working in high-demand regions or for companies with robust financial backing can lead to higher compensation packages.
To maximize earnings, consider these factors:
- Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications to boost marketability.
- Specializations: Develop expertise in high-demand areas like renewable energy.
- Experience: Accumulate years of experience to qualify for higher-paying positions.
- Leadership Roles: Pursue promotions and leadership roles to increase salary.
- Location and Industry: Work in high-demand regions or for financially robust companies.
