How much does a Environmental Specialist make?
Environmental Specialists make an important contribution by ensuring that businesses and communities meet environmental standards. Their average yearly salary stands at $61,416. This salary can vary based on experience, education, and location.
Here are the salary ranges that most Environmental Specialists fall into:
- 10% earn $30,445 or less.
- 20% earn $39,405 or less.
- 40% earn $48,364 or less.
- 60% earn $57,324 or less.
- 80% earn $66,283 or less.
- 90% earn $75,243 or less.
- 95% earn $84,202 or less.
- 99% earn $93,162 or less.
What are the highest paying cities for a Environmental Specialist?

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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $90,832
Working in Sacramento means being part of a growing city with a focus on sustainability. Key employers like the state government and local businesses value environmental management. Opportunities include projects focused on reducing pollution and conserving natural resources.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $86,938
Milwaukee offers a mix of industrial and green jobs. Companies such as Johnson Controls and Harley-Davidson are investing in eco-friendly practices. Environmental specialists here work on improving air and water quality, and promoting sustainable urban development.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $82,488
Philadelphia provides a mix of urban and suburban job opportunities. Major companies like Comcast and Siemens focus on sustainability initiatives. Specialists here often work on waste management and green energy projects.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $81,452
Seattle is known for its tech industry and environmental consciousness. Companies like Amazon and Boeing are leaders in green technology. Environmental roles often involve working on innovative solutions for waste reduction and renewable energy.
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Lansing, MI
Average Salary: $79,878
Lansing offers a blend of manufacturing and government work. Companies such as General Motors and the state government seek experts to improve environmental policies. Specialists focus on air quality, water management, and sustainable urban planning.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $79,483
Minneapolis is a city with a growing emphasis on green infrastructure. Employers like Target and the Mayo Clinic promote sustainability. Environmental specialists work on projects aimed at reducing carbon footprints and enhancing green spaces.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $79,014
Los Angeles is a dynamic city with significant environmental challenges. Companies like Chevron and major city government departments are actively involved in sustainability. Specialists here tackle issues related to air quality and sustainable urban development.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $76,846
Houston's job market offers diverse opportunities in both the industrial and environmental sectors. Companies such as ExxonMobil and Baker Hughes work on projects that reduce environmental impact. Specialists focus on pollution control and energy efficiency.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $75,907
Denver is known for its outdoor lifestyle and commitment to sustainability. Companies like Denver Water and local government agencies seek environmental experts. Specialists here often work on water conservation and air quality improvement projects.
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Louisville, KY
Average Salary: $75,141
Louisville offers a mix of industrial and agricultural opportunities. Companies like UPS and local government agencies focus on sustainability. Specialists work on issues such as waste management and green energy projects.
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What are the best companies a Environmental Specialist can work for?

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Stantec
Average Salary: $130,924
Stantec offers Environmental Specialist roles that focus on sustainable development. They work across the globe, with major offices in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Their projects often involve environmental impact assessments, regulatory compliance, and sustainability strategies.
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Marathon Petroleum
Average Salary: $127,974
Marathon Petroleum provides Environmental Specialist positions with an emphasis on reducing environmental impact within the energy sector. They operate primarily in the United States, with significant operations in the Midwest and Gulf Coast regions. Responsibilities include monitoring emissions and developing pollution control measures.
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Kimberly-Clark
Average Salary: $118,180
Kimberly-Clark offers roles for Environmental Specialists focused on environmental sustainability within the manufacturing sector. The company operates globally, with key locations in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Tasks include overseeing waste management, reducing carbon footprint, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
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Luster National
Average Salary: $91,818
Luster National provides Environmental Specialist positions with a focus on environmental consulting. They work in various sectors, including energy and manufacturing, and operate across the United States. Specialists here support clients in managing environmental risks and improving sustainability practices.
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AECOM
Average Salary: $84,733
AECOM offers Environmental Specialist roles that concentrate on environmental planning and assessment. They have a global presence with offices in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Employees in these roles work on projects that involve environmental compliance, risk assessment, and sustainability planning.
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State of Washington
Average Salary: $77,638
The State of Washington employs Environmental Specialists who focus on state-level environmental policies and regulations. With offices across the state, these specialists work on air and water quality programs, waste management, and environmental impact assessments.
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State of Ohio
Average Salary: $73,232
The State of Ohio offers Environmental Specialist roles that involve environmental protection and compliance. They work in various departments across the state, focusing on initiatives like pollution control, natural resource management, and sustainable practices.
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Environmental Conservation, Department of
Average Salary: $71,906
The Department of Environmental Conservation offers Environmental Specialist roles that focus on protecting natural resources. They operate within state boundaries, with offices across the region. Specialists in these roles work on wildlife management, environmental education, and habitat conservation projects.
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Fisher Associates
Average Salary: $69,643
Fisher Associates employs Environmental Specialists who work in consulting and environmental management. They have offices throughout the United States, with a focus on water resources, environmental planning, and sustainability. Their projects often involve environmental impact assessments and compliance with federal regulations.
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State of Alaska
Average Salary: $67,593
The State of Alaska provides Environmental Specialist roles that focus on managing the state's natural resources. They operate with offices across Alaska, focusing on environmental protection, wildlife management, and sustainable resource use. These roles involve working with both government and private sector partners.
How to earn more as a Environmental Specialist?
Environmental specialists can improve their earnings by focusing on several key areas. One important factor is gaining advanced certifications. These credentials can open up higher-paying opportunities and more responsibilities. Another way to earn more is to work in a metropolitan area where the demand for environmental services is higher. These areas often offer better salaries. Specialization in a niche area, such as waste management or air quality, can also lead to higher pay. This expertise makes an environmental specialist more valuable to employers. Taking on leadership roles or project management positions can also lead to higher earnings. These roles come with increased compensation and benefits. Networking within the industry and staying informed about market trends can lead to finding better-paying positions.
Experience plays a crucial role in earning more as an environmental specialist. Those with more years in the field often command higher salaries. Another way to increase earnings is by working for consulting firms or large corporations. These organizations typically offer more competitive pay. Taking on additional training or further education can also lead to higher pay. This can include learning new technologies or gaining skills in emerging fields. Lastly, offering unique services, such as sustainable development consulting, can attract higher-paying clients. Environmental specialists who provide these specialized services can earn significantly more.



