Average Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians Salary in California
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $76,070, significantly outpacing the national average of $62,250. This higher compensation is largely driven by California's robust environmental regulations, extensive industrial base, and the high demand for skilled professionals to manage complex environmental challenges within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $76,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $121,390.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,160 Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians, California presents a substantial, albeit slightly below national average concentration (Location Quotient of 0.79). This indicates a solid presence of these professionals, suggesting a consistent demand for their expertise in managing the state's diverse environmental needs, from pollution control to resource management.
Salary Overview
The average Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians in California earns+22.2%above the national average.
$36.6
$1,463
$6,339
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians in California have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend would align with increasing environmental awareness, stricter regulations, and the ongoing need for specialized technical skills to address climate change and sustainability initiatives.
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians Salary Distribution in California
Salary progression for Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians in California is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise and years of practical application in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $41,600 | $20 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $57,053 | $27.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $72,140 | $34.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $95,088 | $45.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $121,390 | $58.4 |
Detailed Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$76,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,924
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the nominal average salary of $76,070 in California appears attractive, it must be considered against the state's elevated Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is considerably less than the national average, requiring careful budgeting and financial planning for those relocating to or residing in the state.
Job Market Context
1,160
Total Jobs
0.064
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
California has 0.79x the national average concentration of Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.79 suggests that Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians are slightly less concentrated in California compared to the national average. This indicates a competitive job market where employers may seek specialized skills, but also implies a healthy demand for these professionals across various industries within the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians Salary | $65,250↓ 14% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicianss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians make in California?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians in California is $76,070. This typically ranges from $41,600 for entry-level positions to $121,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 22.2% higher than the national median of $62,250.
Is California a lucrative place for Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians?
Yes, with caveats.California offers a significantly higher average salary than the national average. However, the high cost of living means that the real value of this salary requires careful consideration.
Is California a good place to live for Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bakersfield-Delano, CA ($65,250) and others.
What is the average salary for an entry-level Environmental Engineering Technologist in California?
Entry-level salaries typically fall below the $76,070 average, often starting in the $50,000-$60,000 range, depending on specific qualifications and the employer.
How does experience impact salary for this role in California?
With increased experience, professionals can expect their salaries to rise significantly, potentially reaching well over $90,000-$100,000 for senior or specialized roles.
Are there many job opportunities for Environmental Engineering Technologists in California?
While the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer size of California's economy and its stringent environmental regulations create a consistent demand for these professionals.
What factors contribute to the higher salaries in California?
Higher salaries are driven by California's strong environmental protection laws, a large industrial sector requiring environmental compliance, and a higher cost of living that necessitates greater compensation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,160 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.064 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians Salaries by State
Top Jobs in California
- All Occupations Salary in California
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in California
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in California
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in California
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in California
- Management Occupations Salary in California
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in California
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in California
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in California
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in California
- Browse All Jobs in California →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California