Environmental Engineer
Design solutions for environmental problems like water treatment, pollution control, and waste management.
Salary Range
The highest-paid specialization or seniority level for environmental engineers.
About 1 in 200 reaches this level
Of ~39,400 environmental engineers per BLS (SOC 17-2081, May 2024), VP/Principal environmental engineering roles at ~$260K total comp exist at roughly 200 large EPC and industrial firms — about 0.5% of the field.
Salary data based on 2025 BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
How to Become One
This career typically requires a bachelor's degree. Here are the top colleges for it:
AI Risk Assessment
Only ~3% automation risk. The work involves site-specific fieldwork, regulatory compliance interpretation, and complex system design. Renewable energy expansion and data center environmental compliance drive demand. AI is a tool (modeling, simulation) rather than a replacement.
Ratings reflect a 10-year outlook based on 2025-2026 research, weighted toward entry-level impact. Individual outcomes will vary.
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