Position
Salary

How much does a Water Engineer make?

The average salary for a Water Engineer is $88,529 per year in the US.

Water engineers play a key role in designing and maintaining water systems. They ensure communities have clean water for drinking, bathing, and other daily needs. The job requires special skills and knowledge, which is why water engineers get paid well. On average, a water engineer earns about $88,529 a year. This can vary based on experience and where they work.

Some water engineers start with a salary around $42,000 per year. As they gain more experience, their salary can increase. At the top, experienced water engineers can earn up to $176,466 per year. The highest-paid water engineers often work in big cities or for large companies. They might also hold advanced degrees or certifications that boost their earnings.

  • 10% of water engineers earn less than $54,224.
  • 25% earn less than $66,448.
  • 50% earn less than $90,897.
  • 75% earn less than $115,345.
  • 90% earn less than $152,018.
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What are the highest paying cities for a Water Engineer?

Portland, OR, offers top salaries for water engineers, with an average of $124,000. This city has a strong need for clean water systems, leading to high demand for skilled engineers. Chicago, IL, and Denver, CO, follow closely with salaries around $112,000 and $107,000 respectively. Los Angeles, CA, and Houston, TX, also provide competitive wages, exceeding $100,000 annually. These cities have robust infrastructure projects that require water engineering expertise. Job seekers in these locations can find promising opportunities with attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Water Engineer jobs, highlighting Portland, OR with the highest at $124,000 and Philadelphia, PA with the lowest at $78,450.
  1. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $124,000
    In Portland, working with water infrastructure offers excellent opportunities. Companies like Portland Water Bureau and Tetra Tech focus on sustainable water projects. Professionals here enjoy a balance of technical work and green initiatives.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Portland, OR


  2. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $111,197
    Chicago presents a dynamic environment for water experts. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and the Chicago Department of Water provide key roles. Employees often tackle large-scale urban water projects, making a significant impact.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $106,994
    Denver offers a vibrant career path for those in water engineering. Firms such as AECOM and Stantec are at the forefront of water management. Here, engineers work on both preservation and development projects, contributing to the city's growth.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Denver, CO


  4. Syracuse, NY
    Average Salary: $102,632
    Syracuse provides a steady demand for water engineers. Local utilities and environmental firms rely on skilled professionals. Working here means contributing to community water safety and sustainability efforts.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Syracuse, NY


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $100,993
    Los Angeles is a hub for water technology. Companies like AECOM and Jacobs Engineering are involved in innovative water solutions. Engineers here focus on drought management and water conservation, making every project vital.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $97,173
    Houston offers diverse opportunities in water engineering. Firms such as Black & Veatch and CH2M are leading the way. Professionals work on large infrastructure projects, facing unique challenges and solutions.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Houston, TX


  7. Oklahoma City, OK
    Average Salary: $95,675
    Oklahoma City features a growing need for water management experts. Companies like CH2M and HDR focus on water supply and treatment. Engineers here play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and supply.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Oklahoma City, OK


  8. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $91,926
    Austin provides an exciting landscape for water engineers. Key employers like HNTB and WSP Global are innovating in water management. The city's rapid growth creates a demand for sustainable water solutions.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Austin, TX


  9. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $86,925
    Phoenix offers a challenging environment for water experts. Firms such as Arcadis and CDM Smith are active in the field. Professionals here focus on water conservation and efficient use, critical in arid regions.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  10. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $78,450
    Philadelphia provides rich opportunities for water engineering. The Philadelphia Water Department and firms like Arup are major employers. Engineers work on historical infrastructure and modern water systems, balancing old and new.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA

What are the best companies a Water Engineer can work for?

Job seekers looking for the best pay in water engineering should consider companies like TYlin and Stantec. TYlin offers an average salary of $125,470, while Stantec provides $122,711. Both companies are industry leaders and offer excellent career opportunities. Merrick & Company and CONSOR Engineers also provide competitive salaries for water engineers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Water Engineer jobs, highlighting TYlin with the highest at $125,470 and Tighe & Bond with the lowest at $46,857.
  1. TYlin
    Average Salary: $125,470
    TYlin offers exciting Water Engineer roles with a competitive salary. They focus on water resource management and work across various locations in the U.S.


  2. Stantec
    Average Salary: $122,711
    Stantec provides diverse Water Engineer opportunities. They specialize in water engineering solutions and operate in multiple countries worldwide.


  3. CONSOR Engineers
    Average Salary: $121,555
    CONSOR Engineers is known for its Water Engineer positions. They focus on sustainable water solutions and work extensively in the U.S.


  4. Merrick & Company
    Average Salary: $114,182
    Merrick & Company offers attractive Water Engineer roles. They provide innovative water management services and operate nationwide.


  5. Arcadis
    Average Salary: $73,226
    Arcadis has Water Engineer jobs with a good salary. They focus on sustainable water and environmental projects globally.


  6. Mott MacDonald
    Average Salary: $71,022
    Mott MacDonald offers Water Engineer positions with a decent salary. They work on a wide range of water projects around the world.


  7. HydroCorp
    Average Salary: $47,000
    HydroCorp provides Water Engineer roles with a reasonable salary. They focus on water infrastructure and operate primarily in the U.S.


  8. Tighe & Bond
    Average Salary: $46,857
    Tighe & Bond offers Water Engineer jobs with a solid salary. They work on water management projects and operate extensively in the U.S.

How to earn more as a Water Engineer?

Water engineers have a crucial role in society. They ensure that we have clean water and proper sanitation. This work is vital, but it also offers opportunities to earn more. Gaining higher education, certifications, or specialized skills can lead to higher earnings. Expanding experience and taking on leadership roles are also important.

Water engineers can increase their income by pursuing these steps. One is gaining more education. A master's degree or Ph.D. can open higher-paying jobs. Certifications, such as the Professional Engineer (PE) license, can also lead to better pay. Specializing in areas like wastewater treatment or hydrology can make engineers more valuable. Gaining experience in different projects and regions adds to an engineer's expertise. Finally, taking on management roles can lead to higher salaries.

These steps can help water engineers earn more. Consider these factors to advance in your career:

  1. Obtain higher education degrees
  2. Earn relevant certifications
  3. Gain specialized skills
  4. Accumulate diverse experience
  5. Take on leadership roles

Currently 32 Water Engineer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Water Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Water Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Water Engineer today.
Position
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Water Engineer
32 Job Openings