Engineering Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Environmental Engineer Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median environmental engineer salary in Salem, OR is $98,756 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$98,756
vs State Avg
$-7,746
vs National
+$1,936
Cost of Living
102%

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

Salem offers a median environmental engineer salary of $98,756, which is $7,746 below the Oregon state average of $106,502. Compared to the national median of $96,820, Salem pays above average for this role.

Salem's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for environmental engineers in Salem spans from $62,220 at the 10th percentile to $150,960 at the 90th percentile — a $88,740 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,280, while senior environmental engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $144,840. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $65,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,280
+$1,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,960
+$1,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,840
+$2,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $62,220
25th Percentile $77,520
Median (50th) $98,756
75th Percentile $124,440
90th Percentile $150,960

Environmental Engineer Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Portland, OR
$114,248
Pop. 652,503
Hillsboro, OR
$108,438
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$104,566
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$101,661
Pop. 176,654

How to Become a Environmental Engineer in Salem

Education

Most environmental engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Salem and the surrounding Oregon 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 Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Engineer Jobs in Salem

Browse open environmental engineer positions in Salem, OR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Salem

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median environmental engineer salary in Salem, Oregon is $98,756 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $62,220 (10th percentile) to $150,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Engineer make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $98,756, a environmental engineer in Salem earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for environmental engineer pay? ▼
Salem's median environmental engineer salary of $98,756 is 7.3% below the Oregon state average of $106,502. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a environmental engineer salary of $98,756 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental engineer in Salem? ▼
Most environmental engineer positions in Salem 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.