Position
Salary
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.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Stantec
Average Salary: $122,711
Stantec provides diverse Water Engineer opportunities. They specialize in water engineering solutions and operate in multiple countries worldwide.
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.
Merrick & Company
Average Salary: $114,182
Merrick & Company offers attractive Water Engineer roles. They provide innovative water management services and operate nationwide.
Arcadis
Average Salary: $73,226
Arcadis has Water Engineer jobs with a good salary. They focus on sustainable water and environmental projects globally.
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.
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.
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.
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: