Environmental Engineer Salary in Seattle, WA: $143,294 (2026)

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

Seattle offers a median environmental engineer salary of $143,294, which is $31,951 above the Washington state average of $111,343. Compared to the national median of $96,820, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $143,294 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,820. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for environmental engineers in Seattle spans from $90,280 at the 10th percentile to $219,040 at the 90th percentile — a $128,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $94,720, while senior environmental engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $210,160. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $94,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $210,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$94,720

+$30,720 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$145,040

+$47,040 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$210,160

+$68,160 vs national

Percentile	Seattle	WA State	National
10th Percentile	$90,280	$70,150	$61,000
25th Percentile	$112,480	$87,400	$76,000
Median (50th)	$143,294	$111,343	$96,820
75th Percentile	$180,560	$140,300	$122,000
90th Percentile	$219,040	$170,200	$148,000

Percentile

Seattle

10th Percentile

$90,280

25th Percentile

$112,480

Median (50th)

$143,294

75th Percentile

$180,560

90th Percentile

$219,040

How to Become a Environmental Engineer in Seattle

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Seattle

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Seattle, WA? ▼

The median environmental engineer salary in Seattle, Washington is $143,294 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $90,280 (10th percentile) to $219,040 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $143,294, a environmental engineer in Seattle earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for environmental engineer pay? ▼

Seattle's median environmental engineer salary of $143,294 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $111,343. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼

Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a environmental engineer salary of $143,294 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most environmental engineer positions in Seattle 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 Seattle, Washington