Average Environmental Engineers Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
Environmental Engineers in Kennewick-Richland, WA, command an impressive average annual salary of $136,220, significantly surpassing the national average of $113,240. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the specialized nature of environmental engineering roles and potentially higher local demand or specific industry needs within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $136,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $181,290.
- Outlook: The Kennewick-Richland area demonstrates a robust job market for Environmental Engineers, with a total local workforce of 290 professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 9.33 indicates a substantial concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized industry presence that supports a healthy job environment.
Salary Overview
The average Environmental Engineers in Kennewick-Richland, WA earns+20.3%above the national average.
$65.5
$2,620
$11,352
Environmental Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend for Environmental Engineers in Kennewick-Richland over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing environmental regulations, a growing focus on sustainability, and ongoing infrastructure projects likely contribute to sustained demand and upward pressure on compensation.
Environmental Engineers Salary Distribution in Kennewick-Richland, WA
Career progression for Environmental Engineers in Kennewick-Richland is typically marked by significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise and take on more complex projects, their earning potential escalates considerably, with senior engineers often reaching the highest salary percentiles, reflecting their advanced skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $86,440 | $41.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $102,165 | $49.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $138,090 | $66.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $170,275 | $81.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $181,290 | $87.2 |
Detailed Environmental Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$136,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$136,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $136,220 in Kennewick-Richland, WA, is highly competitive, especially considering the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Environmental Engineer's salary in this region is strong, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without the added financial strain often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
2.296
Per 1K Jobs
9.33
Location Quotient
Kennewick-Richland, WA has 9.3x the national concentration of Environmental Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 9.33, Kennewick-Richland, WA, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Environmental Engineers. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is significantly higher relative to the national average, suggesting a specialized industry cluster or a strong regional focus on environmental services. This concentration can lead to competitive hiring environments but also offers ample opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Environmental Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Engineers make in Kennewick-Richland, WA?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Engineers in Kennewick-Richland, WA is $136,220. This typically ranges from $86,440 for entry-level positions to $181,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 20.3% higher than the national median of $113,240.
Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a lucrative place for Environmental Engineers?
Yes, Kennewick-Richland, WA is a highly lucrative location for Environmental Engineers.The average salary of $136,220 significantly exceeds the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, offering excellent purchasing power.
Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a good place to live for Environmental Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the number of Environmental Engineers in Kennewick-Richland compare nationally?
The total local workforce of 290 Environmental Engineers, combined with a Location Quotient of 9.33, indicates a much higher concentration of these professionals in Kennewick-Richland compared to the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Environmental Engineers in Kennewick-Richland?
An LQ of 9.33 signifies that Environmental Engineers are over 9 times more concentrated in Kennewick-Richland than the national average, pointing to a specialized and robust local job market for this profession.
How does the Cost of Living in Kennewick-Richland affect the Environmental Engineer salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $136,220 salary offers strong real value and purchasing power for Environmental Engineers residing in Kennewick-Richland.
Are there many job opportunities for Environmental Engineers in Kennewick-Richland?
The high Location Quotient and the number of jobs per 1,000 workers (2.296) suggest a strong demand and a good number of opportunities for Environmental Engineers in the Kennewick-Richland area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Kennewick-Richland, WA area with a job density of 2.296 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Environmental Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kennewick-Richland, WA