Position
Salary

How much does a Water Engineer make?

The average salary for a Water Engineer is $86,808 per year in the US.

Water engineers play a vital role in ensuring communities have clean and safe water. They design systems that deliver and treat water. Their work involves research and development to improve water resources. People in this field find jobs in government agencies, consulting firms, and construction companies.

The salary for a water engineer varies based on experience and location. The average yearly salary for this job is around $86,808. However, those with more experience can earn significantly more. The bottom 10% earn about $35,491, while the top 10% make over $185,000 per year. Cities with high demand for water engineers, like San Francisco or Seattle, often offer higher salaries. This makes the career both rewarding and financially attractive.

View Water Engineer jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Water Engineer?

Cities such as Seattle, WA, and Riverside, CA, offer top salaries for Water Engineers. A Water Engineer can expect to earn over $150,000 in Seattle and nearly $140,000 in Riverside. These locations provide excellent opportunities for those in the field to earn a competitive income. Other cities like San Diego, CA, and Los Angeles, CA, also provide solid pay, with salaries ranging from $125,000 to $130,000. Portland, OR, and Austin, TX, follow closely behind with average salaries close to $125,000. These cities present attractive job markets for Water Engineers seeking both high pay and dynamic career growth.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Water Engineer jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $151,920 and Denver, CO with the lowest at $108,549.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $151,920
    In Seattle, one can find rewarding work in water engineering with companies like Seattle Public Utilities. The city's focus on sustainability provides many opportunities to contribute to eco-friendly projects. Seattle's engineering scene offers a vibrant community for those passionate about water management.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $138,512
    Riverside offers a thriving environment for water engineers with its focus on water conservation. Metropolitan Water District is a key employer in the area. Professionals here work on innovative solutions to meet the region's water needs. Riverside's warm climate and strong industry presence make it a great place for career growth.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA


  3. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $135,826
    Washington, DC, provides a unique setting for water engineers to impact policy and infrastructure. With organizations like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, professionals can find meaningful work. The city's political environment offers unique challenges and opportunities for those in the field. Working in DC means being at the heart of national water issues.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Washington, DC


  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $127,012
    San Diego offers dynamic opportunities in water engineering, with companies such as San Diego County Water Authority. The city's focus on water reuse and conservation drives innovation in the sector. Working here means being part of a community that values sustainability and environmental stewardship.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $125,435
    Portland is known for its green initiatives and offers many opportunities for water engineers. With companies like Portland Water Bureau, professionals can work on projects that promote sustainability. The city's commitment to clean water and green spaces makes it an ideal place for those passionate about environmental engineering.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Portland, OR


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $117,723
    Los Angeles presents a challenging yet rewarding environment for water engineers. The city's large population and diverse landscape create unique water management needs. Companies like LA Water and Power offer opportunities to work on large-scale projects. Working in LA means being part of a dynamic and innovative industry.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $114,738
    Houston offers a vibrant job market for water engineers, with companies like the City of Houston Public Works. The city's focus on infrastructure and resilience provides many opportunities. Working in Houston means being at the forefront of water management in a rapidly growing region.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Houston, TX


  8. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $114,607
    Austin is a great place for water engineers, with its focus on sustainability and innovation. Companies like the Lower Colorado River Authority offer exciting projects. The city's tech-friendly environment and commitment to green initiatives make it an attractive place for professionals in the field.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Austin, TX


  9. Columbus, OH
    Average Salary: $109,102
    Columbus offers a balanced environment for water engineers, with a mix of urban and natural settings. The city's water management needs provide many opportunities for innovation. Working here means being part of a growing industry focused on sustainability and infrastructure.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH


  10. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $108,549
    Denver offers a unique setting for water engineers, with its mountain landscapes and urban development. Companies like the Denver Water Department provide many opportunities to work on important projects. The city's focus on water conservation and sustainability makes it an attractive place for professionals.
    Find Water Engineer jobs in Denver, CO

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

GEI Consultants, Inc. leads the way for high-paying water engineer jobs, offering a competitive salary of $185,000 on average. Amazon also provides substantial opportunities with an average salary of $168,686 for water engineers. T&M Associates and TYLin follow closely behind, with average salaries of $117,705 and $112,826, respectively. Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers and Architects, and SMS Environmental Ltd offer good salaries for water engineers, averaging around $80,714 and $38,109, respectively. These companies provide stable and rewarding careers in the water engineering field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Water Engineer jobs, highlighting GEI Consultants, Inc. with the highest at $185,000 and SMS Environmental Ltd with the lowest at $38,109.
  1. GEI Consultants, Inc.
    Average Salary: $185,000
    GEI Consultants, Inc. offers exciting opportunities for Water Engineers. They work on innovative projects across the United States. Their teams focus on sustainable water solutions, making a positive impact in many communities.


  2. Amazon
    Average Salary: $168,686
    At Amazon, Water Engineers play a key role in supporting the company's sustainability goals. They work on projects across various locations in the U.S. and internationally, focusing on water management and resource conservation.


  3. T&M Associates
    Average Salary: $117,705
    T&M Associates provides diverse opportunities for Water Engineers. They work on a wide range of projects in locations such as California, New York, and Texas. The company emphasizes innovation and excellence in water resource management.


  4. TYLin
    Average Salary: $112,826
    TYLin offers rewarding Water Engineer positions. They work on significant projects across the U.S., with a focus on water infrastructure and environmental sustainability. TYLin values creativity and teamwork in their projects.


  5. Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers and Architects
    Average Salary: $80,714
    Wilson & Company, Inc. provides valuable opportunities for Water Engineers. They work on impactful projects in California and the Pacific Northwest. The company promotes sustainable water practices and community development.


  6. SMS Environmental Ltd
    Average Salary: $38,109
    SMS Environmental Ltd. offers Water Engineer positions that focus on environmental protection and water management. They operate in locations such as Florida and the Southeast U.S. The company aims to create sustainable water solutions.

How to earn more as a Water Engineer?

Becoming a Water Engineer offers many opportunities to increase earnings over time. By focusing on certain key areas, professionals in this field can enhance their skills and market value. Working diligently in these areas can lead to higher pay and greater job satisfaction.

Aspiring Water Engineers can take several steps to boost their earnings. First, gaining specialized certifications can open doors to higher-paying positions. Certifications in areas like wastewater treatment or water quality management can set an individual apart. Continuing education is also important. Attending workshops, seminars, and conferences can keep skills current and open up new opportunities. Seeking leadership roles can also lead to higher salaries. Engineers who take on managerial or supervisory positions often earn more than their counterparts. Networking within the industry can lead to better job offers and promotions. Lastly, moving to areas with a higher demand for Water Engineers can result in higher pay. Researching regional salary trends can help make informed decisions about relocating.

Water Engineers can follow these steps to earn more:

  1. Get specialized certifications.
  2. Pursue continuing education.
  3. Take on leadership roles.
  4. Network with industry professionals.
  5. Consider relocating to higher-paying areas.

Currently 139 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
Overview
Water Engineer
139 Job Openings