Engineering Richmond, VA Pop. 226,610

Environmental Engineer Salary in Richmond, Virginia

The median environmental engineer salary in Richmond, VA is $96,820 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 3.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$96,820
vs State Avg
$-3,873
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Richmond offers a median environmental engineer salary of $96,820, which is $3,873 below the Virginia state average of $100,693. Compared to the national median of $96,820, Richmond pays above average for this role.

Richmond's cost of living is 100% 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 Richmond spans from $61,000 at the 10th percentile to $148,000 at the 90th percentile — a $87,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $64,000, while senior environmental engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,000. With a population of 226,610, Richmond is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Richmond by Experience

In Richmond, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $64,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$64,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Richmond, VA

Percentile Richmond
10th Percentile $61,000
25th Percentile $76,000
Median (50th) $96,820
75th Percentile $122,000
90th Percentile $148,000

Environmental Engineer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Environmental Engineer in Richmond

Education

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

Find Environmental Engineer Jobs in Richmond

Browse open environmental engineer positions in Richmond, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Richmond

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Richmond, VA? ▼
The median environmental engineer salary in Richmond, Virginia is $96,820 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $61,000 (10th percentile) to $148,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Engineer make per hour in Richmond? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,820, a environmental engineer in Richmond earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Richmond compare to the Virginia state average for environmental engineer pay? ▼
Richmond's median environmental engineer salary of $96,820 is 3.8% below the Virginia state average of $100,693. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Richmond, VA? ▼
Richmond has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a environmental engineer salary of $96,820 in Richmond has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental engineer in Richmond? ▼
Most environmental engineer positions in Richmond 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.