Average Environmental Engineers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Environmental Engineers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $129,330. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $113,240, suggesting that the unique economic and regulatory landscape of this region drives higher compensation for these critical professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $129,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $203,970.
- Outlook: The local job market for Environmental Engineers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area appears robust, evidenced by a total workforce of 930 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.21 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling a sustained demand and a potentially dynamic job market for skilled environmental engineers in this region.
Salary Overview
The average Environmental Engineers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+14.2%above the national average.
$62.2
$2,487
$10,778
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 the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing environmental regulations, a growing emphasis on sustainability, and the specialized nature of the work likely contribute to consistent year-over-year salary increases in this sector.
Environmental Engineers Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression for Environmental Engineers in this region typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive project management and specialized expertise can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies substantial career growth opportunities and increased earning potential as professionals advance.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $77,550 | $37.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $96,998 | $46.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $125,240 | $60.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $161,663 | $77.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $203,970 | $98.1 |
Detailed Environmental Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$129,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$129,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $129,330 for Environmental Engineers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the higher earnings translate directly into greater purchasing power, making the region a financially advantageous location for these professionals compared to areas with a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
930
Total Jobs
0.298
Per 1K Jobs
1.21
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.21, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Environmental Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.21, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area exhibits a 21% higher concentration of Environmental Engineers than the national average. This suggests a more competitive, yet potentially more abundant, job market. Professionals may find more specialized opportunities and a greater density of relevant employers, but competition for top roles could also be elevated.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Environmental Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Environmental Engineers Salary | $103,100↓ 20% | 35 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Environmental Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Engineers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Engineers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $129,330. This typically ranges from $77,550 for entry-level positions to $203,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 14.2% higher than the national median of $113,240.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Environmental Engineerss?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for Environmental Engineers.Environmental Engineers in this region earn significantly above the national average salary, and with a cost of living at the national average, their higher nominal wages translate directly into superior real income and purchasing power.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Environmental Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($103,100) and others.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
Environmental Engineers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area earn an average of $129,330 annually, which is $16,090 more than the national average of $113,240.
What is the concentration of Environmental Engineers in this area?
The Location Quotient of 1.21 indicates that Environmental Engineers are 21% more concentrated in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area than the national average, suggesting a strong local demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The cost of living in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area is at the national average (100). This means the higher average salary of $129,330 provides excellent purchasing power for residents.
What does the job market size suggest for Environmental Engineers?
With a local workforce of 930 Environmental Engineers, the market is substantial enough to offer diverse opportunities while the high concentration suggests ongoing demand for these specialized skills.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 930 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.298 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV