EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Environmental Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$79,752/yr
Typical range: $77,556 – $93,075
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $79,752 | $6,646 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $96,842 | $8,070 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 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
$79,752
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $38/hr
Next Level Target
$96,842
Junior · 2
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
34/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Environmental Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Environmental Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $80K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Environmental Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $80K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $38/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Environmental Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Environmental Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $139K–$167K/yr.