Environmental Engineer Salary in Cleveland, OH: $83,265 (2026)

Environmental Engineer Pay in Cleveland: What to Expect (2026)

Cleveland offers a median environmental engineer salary of $83,265, which is $3,873 below the Ohio state average of $87,138. Compared to the national median of $96,820, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $83,265 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,820 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for environmental engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental engineers in Cleveland spans from $52,460 at the 10th percentile to $127,280 at the 90th percentile — a $74,820 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,040, while senior environmental engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $122,120. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $55,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$55,040

$-8,960 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$84,280

$-13,720 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$122,120

$-19,880 vs national

Percentile	Cleveland	OH State	National
10th Percentile	$52,460	$54,900	$61,000
25th Percentile	$65,360	$68,400	$76,000
Median (50th)	$83,265	$87,138	$96,820
75th Percentile	$104,920	$109,800	$122,000
90th Percentile	$127,280	$133,200	$148,000

Percentile

Cleveland

10th Percentile

$52,460

25th Percentile

$65,360

Median (50th)

$83,265

75th Percentile

$104,920

90th Percentile

$127,280

How to Become a Environmental Engineer in Cleveland

Education

Most environmental engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Environmental RemediationWater TreatmentAir QualityEPA RegulationsGISProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Cleveland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Cleveland, OH? ▼

The median environmental engineer salary in Cleveland, Ohio is $83,265 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $52,460 (10th percentile) to $127,280 (90th percentile).

How much does a Environmental Engineer make per hour in Cleveland? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $83,265, a environmental engineer in Cleveland earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for environmental engineer pay? ▼

Cleveland's median environmental engineer salary of $83,265 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $87,138. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼

Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a environmental engineer salary of $83,265 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a environmental engineer in Cleveland? ▼

Most environmental engineer positions in Cleveland require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Remediation, Water Treatment, Air Quality, EPA Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Cleveland, Ohio