How much does a Environmental Specialist make?
Environmental specialists play a key role in ensuring businesses and communities operate sustainably. Their salary varies by experience and location. Most earn between $39,950 and $77,970 annually. The average yearly salary is around $66,685.
Those in the top 10% of earners make over $106,485 per year. An experienced specialist, often with a master’s degree or more, can expect to earn at the higher end of the spectrum. Cities with a high demand for environmental work often offer higher salaries to attract qualified candidates. The range in salary reflects the broad scope of responsibilities these professionals handle, from conducting environmental assessments to implementing green initiatives.
What are the highest paying cities for a Environmental Specialist?

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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $102,520
In Sacramento, environmental professionals work on clean water and air initiatives. With companies like PG&E, there are many opportunities to impact policy and community health. The city's focus on sustainability makes it a vibrant place for those dedicated to the environment.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $100,769
Los Angeles offers a bustling environment for those in the environmental field. Here, you can find work with major companies like Toyota and The Walt Disney Company. The city’s commitment to green energy and sustainability provides many chances to make a real difference.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $95,971
Seattle provides a dynamic setting for environmental specialists. Companies such as Amazon and Starbucks are leaders in sustainability. The city’s focus on green technology and clean energy makes it an exciting place to work on environmental issues.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $90,564
Houston offers a variety of opportunities in the environmental sector. With major players like Shell and ExxonMobil, there are many projects aimed at improving air and water quality. The city’s industrial background provides a unique challenge for those dedicated to environmental protection.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $89,214
In Milwaukee, environmental specialists work on improving water quality and reducing pollution. Companies such as Johnson Controls and Harley-Davidson focus on sustainable practices. The city’s efforts in environmental conservation provide many avenues for impactful work.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $89,002
Minneapolis offers a supportive environment for environmental professionals. Companies like Cargill and Target are committed to sustainability. The city’s focus on green spaces and clean energy creates many opportunities for those passionate about the environment.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $86,466
Philadelphia provides a rich environment for those in the environmental field. Companies such as Comcast and PECO Energy work on renewable energy projects. The city’s dedication to green initiatives makes it an engaging place to advance environmental goals.
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San Antonio, TX
Average Salary: $84,308
San Antonio offers many opportunities for environmental professionals. With companies like Valero Energy and AT&T, there are projects focused on water conservation and pollution control. The city’s commitment to sustainable development provides many paths for impactful work.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $83,792
In Baltimore, environmental specialists play a key role in improving air and water quality. Companies such as Under Armour and Legg Mason focus on sustainability. The city’s efforts in environmental protection offer many opportunities to make a significant impact.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $81,253
Denver provides an exciting environment for those in the environmental sector. Companies such as Wells Fargo and Lockheed Martin are leaders in sustainability. The city’s focus on clean energy and green practices offers many opportunities for impactful work.
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What are the best companies a Environmental Specialist can work for?

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Constellation
Average Salary: $119,098
Constellation offers exciting opportunities for Environmental Specialists. They operate in various states across the U.S. Their projects focus on environmental compliance and sustainability, providing a dynamic work environment.
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Parsons Corporation
Average Salary: $112,095
Parsons Corporation is a top choice for Environmental Specialists. They work on projects across the country, from Washington, D.C., to California. Their roles involve environmental management and consulting, offering diverse experiences.
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Olsson
Average Salary: $110,000
Olsson provides a high-paying role for Environmental Specialists. They are active in multiple states, focusing on environmental impact assessments. Their projects often involve large-scale infrastructure, offering a challenging and rewarding work environment.
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AECOM
Average Salary: $101,051
AECOM is known for its extensive environmental projects. Environmental Specialists at AECOM work in locations like New York and Texas. They focus on sustainability and environmental consulting, providing valuable experience in the field.
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Alliance Technical Group
Average Salary: $99,038
Alliance Technical Group offers competitive salaries for Environmental Specialists. They operate in states like Florida and Pennsylvania. Their projects include environmental remediation and compliance, offering diverse career growth opportunities.
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Mortenson
Average Salary: $98,788
Mortenson provides rewarding opportunities for Environmental Specialists. They have projects in states such as Minnesota and Colorado. Their roles involve environmental assessments and project management, offering hands-on experience in sustainability.
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Alliant Energy
Average Salary: $91,333
Alliant Energy offers a good salary for Environmental Specialists. They operate in states like Wisconsin and Illinois. Their projects focus on environmental compliance and resource management, providing a stable and engaging work environment.
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State of Washington
Average Salary: $75,202
The State of Washington provides a solid role for Environmental Specialists. They work in various locations within the state, focusing on environmental policy and regulation. This role offers stability and the chance to impact public policy.
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State of Ohio
Average Salary: $74,969
The State of Ohio offers a good opportunity for Environmental Specialists. They work across the state, focusing on environmental protection and resource management. This role provides a stable environment with opportunities for professional growth.
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COLLIER, COUNTY OF
Average Salary: $70,587
COLLIER, COUNTY OF provides a good salary for Environmental Specialists. They operate in Florida, focusing on local environmental projects. This role offers a chance to work directly with local communities and make a tangible impact.
How to earn more as a Environmental Specialist?
Becoming an Environmental Specialist involves dedication and passion for protecting the planet. It is possible to increase earnings in this field by focusing on certain key factors. These factors can help open new career pathways and increase salary potential.
Here are some strategies for earning more as an Environmental Specialist:
- Education and Certifications: Gaining advanced degrees or specialized certifications can lead to higher paying positions. Certifications in areas like hazardous waste management or environmental law can be especially valuable.
- Experience: More experience often leads to higher pay. Working on a variety of projects and gaining diverse experience can make a candidate more attractive to employers.
- Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to job opportunities and salary increases. Attending industry conferences and joining professional organizations can help.
- Skills Development: Learning new skills, such as proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or environmental impact assessment, can make a specialist more valuable to employers.
- Geographic Location: Salaries can vary significantly by region. Specialists who are willing to relocate to areas with higher demand for their skills may find better-paying opportunities.



