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Salary comparison

Environmental Engineers vs. Civil Engineers: Who Earns More?

Environmental Engineerss out-earn Civil Engineerss by $6K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Environmental Engineerss land at $107,110 and Civil Engineerss at $100,840. The education gap is real: environmental engineer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while civil engineer programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Environmental Engineerss is Louisiana ($130,510); for Civil Engineerss it's California ($122,500).

Environmental Engineers
Civil Engineers
Median salary
$107,110
$100,840
Hourly rate
$51.5/hr
$48.48/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$69,990
$68,240
Senior level (90th %)
$162,220
$163,220
Education required
Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
U.S. employment
38,340
367,840
Job growth (10-year)
N/A
5%
Category
Engineering
Engineering
Top-paying state
Louisiana
California

Pay by state

States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Environmental Engineers median pay.

State
Environmental Engineers
Civil Engineers
Louisiana
$130,510
$105,380
California
$130,410
$122,500
Oregon
$127,100
$105,250
Washington
$125,460
$110,000
Nebraska
$120,620
$103,150
Massachusetts
$115,800
$106,730
Minnesota
$115,750
$101,480
Connecticut
$114,710
$103,150
Alaska
$110,220
$114,730
Nevada
$109,720
$104,310
New Mexico
$108,360
$103,900
Colorado
$106,890
$101,420
New Jersey
$102,630
$104,660
New York
$101,270
$103,760
South Carolina
$96,140
$101,600

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.

Common questions

Who earns more, Environmental Engineerss or Civil Engineerss?

Environmental Engineerss earn more nationally. The median is $107,110 for Environmental Engineerss versus $100,840 for Civil Engineerss, a difference of $6K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

Which has better job growth, Environmental Engineers or Civil Engineers?

BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.

Which requires more education, Environmental Engineers or Civil Engineers?

Environmental Engineers typically requires bachelor's degree. Civil Engineers requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.

Where do Environmental Engineerss get paid the most?

Louisiana is the top-paying state for Environmental Engineerss at $130,510/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.

How does Environmental Engineers vs. Civil Engineers pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In Louisiana, Environmental Engineerss earn $130,510 vs. $105,380 for Civil Engineerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Environmental Engineers salary breakdownView →Full Civil Engineers salary breakdownView →Best cities for Environmental Engineerss by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Civil Engineerss by take-home payExplore →How to become a environmental engineersGuide →How to become a civil engineersGuide →