Average Environmental Engineers Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Environmental Engineers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $123,170, significantly exceeding the national average of $113,240. This elevated compensation reflects the region's robust demand for specialized environmental expertise and the higher operational costs associated with a thriving metropolitan economy.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $123,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $170,470.
- Outlook: The local job market for Environmental Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is characterized by a solid concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.22 indicating a presence that is 22% higher than the national average. The total local workforce of 620 professionals suggests a substantial and established demand for these critical roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Environmental Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+8.8%above the national average.
$59.2
$2,369
$10,264
Environmental Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Environmental Engineer salaries in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and increasing demand for environmental compliance and sustainability expertise in the region.
Environmental Engineers Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Salary progression for Environmental Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive project management and specialized knowledge can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear career trajectory and increasing value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $80,570 | $38.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $92,378 | $44.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $115,770 | $55.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $153,963 | $74 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $170,470 | $82 |
Detailed Environmental Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$123,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$123,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $123,170 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary translates directly into strong purchasing power, allowing professionals to maintain a comparable standard of living to the national average while earning more.
Job Market Context
620
Total Jobs
0.3
Per 1K Jobs
1.22
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.22, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Environmental Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.22, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, market demonstrates a notable concentration of Environmental Engineers compared to the national landscape. This suggests a competitive yet robust job market where employers actively seek out specialized talent, offering opportunities for skilled professionals to find well-compensated roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Environmental Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Environmental Engineers Salary | $112,240↓ 9% | 18 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Environmental Engineers Salary | $103,980↓ 16% | 47 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Environmental Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Engineers make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $123,170. This typically ranges from $80,570 for entry-level positions to $170,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 8.8% higher than the national median of $113,240.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Environmental Engineers?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative location for Environmental Engineers.Environmental Engineers in this region earn significantly above the national average salary, and with a cost of living on par with the national average, their purchasing power is substantial.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Environmental Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($112,240) and Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 620 Environmental Engineers indicates a substantial and established presence, suggesting consistent demand and a healthy job market for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.22 mean for Environmental Engineers?
A Location Quotient of 1.22 signifies that Environmental Engineers are more concentrated in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, area than the national average, indicating a strong regional demand and a potentially competitive job market.
How does the cost of living affect the Environmental Engineer salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $123,170 salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, offers excellent purchasing power, making it a financially advantageous location.
Are there many Environmental Engineer jobs per 1,000 workers in Seattle?
With 0.3 jobs per 1,000 workers, the data suggests a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, rate of employment for Environmental Engineers relative to the overall workforce in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, 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 620 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.3 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA