Average Environmental Engineers Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Environmental Engineers in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area command an impressive average annual salary of $142,400. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $113,240, reflecting the region's robust economic landscape and high demand for specialized environmental expertise. The concentration of tech and biotech industries, coupled with stringent environmental regulations, likely contributes to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $142,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $203,960.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 580 Environmental Engineers and a Location Quotient of 0.98, the job market in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, indicates a healthy demand that closely mirrors national employment patterns. While not exceptionally concentrated, the steady presence of professionals suggests a stable and consistent need for their skills within the region's diverse industrial and regulatory framework.
Salary Overview
The average Environmental Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+25.8%above the national average.
$68.5
$2,738
$11,867
Environmental Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this localized segment is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that Environmental Engineer salaries in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as increasing environmental awareness, evolving regulations, and a dynamic regional economy typically drive upward salary trends for skilled professionals in this field.
Environmental Engineers Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Salary progression for Environmental Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth and increased earning potential as expertise develops.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $89,180 | $42.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $106,800 | $51.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $142,000 | $68.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $178,000 | $85.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $203,960 | $98.1 |
Detailed Environmental Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$142,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$142,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $142,400 for Environmental Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly in line with the national average, allowing professionals to maintain a comparable standard of living without the financial strain often associated with high-cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
580
Total Jobs
0.24
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 0.98x the national average concentration of Environmental Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.98 for Environmental Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, suggests that the concentration of these professionals is very close to the national average. This indicates a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively aligned, implying that while opportunities exist, the market is not oversaturated, offering a competitive yet accessible environment for skilled engineers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Environmental Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Environmental Engineers Salary | $132,950↓ 7% | 42 mi |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Environmental Engineers Salary | $120,370↓ 15% | 50 mi |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Environmental Engineers Salary | $116,610↓ 18% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Hiring Environmental Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Engineers make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $142,400. This typically ranges from $89,180 for entry-level positions to $203,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 25.8% higher than the national median of $113,240.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Environmental Engineers?
Yes, it is a lucrative location for Environmental Engineers.Environmental Engineers in this region earn significantly above the national average salary. Furthermore, the cost of living aligns with the national average, making the higher salary highly advantageous.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Environmental Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($132,950) and Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA.
How does the Environmental Engineer salary in San Francisco compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Environmental Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, is $142,400, which is substantially higher than the national average of $113,240.
What is the cost of living like for Environmental Engineers in San Francisco?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary will have the same purchasing power as it would nationally.
How concentrated is the Environmental Engineer job market in San Francisco?
The job market is nearly as concentrated as the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.98. This suggests a stable and balanced demand for Environmental Engineers in the region.
What is the total number of Environmental Engineers in the San Francisco area?
There are approximately 580 Environmental Engineers employed in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 580 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 0.24 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 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA