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Salary

How much does a Water Engineer make?

The average salary for a Water Engineer is $88,089 per year in the US.

Water engineers work on important projects to manage and protect water resources. They can find work in many places, including private companies, government agencies, and consulting firms. Their salaries vary based on experience, education, and location. The average yearly salary for water engineers is around $88,000. Here’s a look at what they can expect to earn at different points in their careers.

Early in their career, water engineers can expect to make between $38,000 and $50,000 a year. As they gain more experience, their salary increases. Mid-career water engineers can earn between $63,000 and $89,000. Those with the most experience can make over $126,000. Some top earners can even reach $178,000 a year. These numbers show that with more experience, water engineers can see significant salary growth.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Water Engineer?

Portland, Oregon, leads in average salaries for Water Engineers, offering an impressive $123,607. Chicago, Illinois, closely follows with an average salary of $115,345. Denver, Colorado, rounds out the top three with an average salary of $114,107. Cities like Syracuse, New York, and Los Angeles, California, provide strong earning potentials as well. Syracuse offers $105,663, while Los Angeles offers $100,993. These cities present excellent opportunities for Water Engineers looking to maximize their earnings.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Water Engineer jobs, highlighting Portland, OR with the highest at $123,607 and Columbus, OH with the lowest at $75,217.
  1. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $123,607
    In Portland, you'll contribute to water quality and conservation. Companies like Portland Water Bureau and AECOM are hiring. They focus on sustainability and green technologies.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Portland, OR


  2. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $115,345
    Chicago offers many opportunities for water specialists. Major employers like the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and Arcadis work on large-scale projects. They value experience in water management and treatment.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $114,107
    Denver provides dynamic roles in water resource management. Black & Veatch and Stantec are looking for engineers. They focus on water supply and flood control, utilizing advanced technology.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Denver, CO


  4. Syracuse, NY
    Average Salary: $105,663
    Syracuse is a hub for water infrastructure. Companies like CAG and Gannett Fleming offer positions in water treatment and resource management. They emphasize community projects and local impact.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Syracuse, NY


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $100,993
    In Los Angeles, water engineers work with large utilities. Metropolitan Water District and CH2M are key employers. They focus on water supply, recycling, and sustainability projects.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $95,549
    Austin offers innovative opportunities in water management. Companies like Austin Water and Tetra Tech work on sustainability. They focus on smart technology and efficient water use.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Austin, TX


  7. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $86,925
    Phoenix is a great place for those interested in water scarcity. Employers like the Salt River Project and CDM Smith focus on water conservation and management. They value engineers who can develop sustainable solutions.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  8. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $84,485
    Philadelphia has a rich history in water management. The Philadelphia Water Department and Arcadis are hiring. They focus on both infrastructure and environmental projects, emphasizing public health.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  9. Rochester, NY
    Average Salary: $78,759
    Rochester offers roles in water quality and treatment. Companies like the Rochester Water Board and GZA are looking for engineers. They focus on water supply and resource management.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY


  10. Columbus, OH
    Average Salary: $75,217
    Columbus provides opportunities for water resource management. Employers like the Central Ohio Water Quality Council and AECOM focus on sustainability. They value expertise in water treatment and conservation.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH

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

Stantec offers some of the best pay for Water Engineers, with an average salary of $127,067. Tighe & Bond and HydroCorp also provide competitive wages, with salaries averaging around $47,000 annually. Companies like TYlin and Woodard & Curran offer slightly lower yet still attractive salaries.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Water Engineer jobs, highlighting Stantec with the highest at $127,067 and HydroCorp with the lowest at $47,000.
  1. Stantec
    Average Salary: $127,067
    Stantec offers Water Engineer jobs with a focus on sustainable water solutions. They work on projects across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Their teams develop innovative water systems to manage and conserve water resources.


  2. TYlin
    Average Salary: $124,415
    TYlin hires Water Engineers for roles that impact water quality and management. They operate in several states in the U.S. and focus on providing water treatment and reuse services.


  3. Woodard & Curran
    Average Salary: $110,570
    At Woodard & Curran, Water Engineers design water systems and manage environmental projects. They work on sites across the U.S. and Canada, focusing on creating eco-friendly water solutions.


  4. Arcadis
    Average Salary: $74,051
    Arcadis offers jobs for Water Engineers who work on large-scale water management projects. They operate globally, with a focus on sustainable water solutions and infrastructure.


  5. Mott MacDonald
    Average Salary: $71,022
    Mott MacDonald hires Water Engineers to work on various water infrastructure projects. They work in multiple countries and focus on consulting services to improve water systems.


  6. Tighe & Bond
    Average Salary: $47,000
    Tighe & Bond provides opportunities for Water Engineers to work on water supply and management projects. They have offices in several states in the U.S. and focus on clean water initiatives.


  7. HydroCorp
    Average Salary: $47,000
    HydroCorp offers roles for Water Engineers focused on water resource management. They operate in various locations in the U.S. and specialize in water treatment and distribution systems.

How to earn more as a Water Engineer?

A Water Engineer works on projects to manage and maintain water resources. They design and build systems for water supply, waste treatment, and more. Earning more in this field starts with focusing on specific areas that can boost your income. Consider these important factors to increase your earnings as a Water Engineer.

Experience and education play big roles. Engineers with more years of experience usually earn higher salaries. Getting a master's degree or specialized certifications can also lead to better-paying jobs. Continuous learning helps in staying updated with new technologies and techniques. Collaboration with other professionals and working on big projects can lead to higher pay. Networking and joining professional groups can offer chances for promotions and new job opportunities. Lastly, moving to areas with a higher demand for water engineers can open doors to better-paying jobs.

Here are five key factors to help earn more as a Water Engineer:

  1. Experience: Gaining more years in the field can lead to higher salaries.
  2. Education: Advanced degrees or certifications can lead to better job opportunities.
  3. Specialization: Focusing on areas like wastewater treatment or water supply systems can boost your income.
  4. Networking: Building connections with other professionals can help you find higher-paying jobs.
  5. Geographical Location: Moving to areas with a higher demand for water engineers can lead to better salaries.

Currently 77 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.
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Water Engineer
77 Job Openings