EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Environmental Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$108,235/yr
Typical range: $93,075 – $139,463
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Environmental Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Environmental Engineer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $79,752 | $6,646 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $96,842 | $8,070 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $108,235 | $9,020 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $122,591 | $10,216 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $157,226 | $13,102 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $184,570 | $15,381 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $191,406 | $15,951 | +140% |
Current Salary
$108,235
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $52/hr
Next Level Target
$122,591
Senior · 6
+$14Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
34/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Environmental Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
3–5 Years Experience Environmental Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $108K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Environmental Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $108K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $52/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Environmental Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Environmental Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $139K–$167K/yr.