Engineering Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Environmental Engineer Salary in Rhode Island

The median environmental engineer salary in Rhode Island is $101,661 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $96,820.

Median Salary
$101,661
vs National
+$4,841
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Environmental Engineer Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for environmental engineer compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for environmental engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $101,661 per year, environmental engineers in Rhode Island earn $4,841 more than the national median of $96,820.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning environmental engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: environmental engineers at the 10th percentile earn $64,050, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $155,400 — a $91,350 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $104,566.

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for environmental engineers across the country.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $67,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,100 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,200
+$3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$102,900
+$4,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,100
+$7,100 vs national

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $101,661+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $64,050
25th Percentile $79,800
Median (50th) $101,661
75th Percentile $128,100
90th Percentile $155,400

Environmental Engineer Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for environmental engineers in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Environmental Engineer in Rhode Island

Education

Most environmental engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Rhode Island has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Environmental RemediationWater TreatmentAir QualityEPA RegulationsGISProject Management

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Rhode Island's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Environmental Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $47,439 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Environmental Engineer Roles in Rhode Island?

Get matched with recruiters hiring environmental engineers in Rhode Island at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median environmental engineer salary in Rhode Island is $101,661 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $64,050 (10th percentile) to $155,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Engineer make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $101,661, a environmental engineer in Rhode Island earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for environmental engineers? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for environmental engineer pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level environmental engineers earn $67,200, while senior professionals earn $149,100.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for environmental engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for environmental engineers is Hawaii at $164,594. Rhode Island's median of $101,661 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($101,661) and New Hampshire ($101,661).
What is the entry-level environmental engineer salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level environmental engineer in Rhode Island earns approximately $67,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $102,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $149,100.
What city in Rhode Island pays environmental engineers the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for environmental engineers, with a median salary of $104,566. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.