EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Environmental Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$114,382/yr
Typical range: $130,125 – $156,162
P75 · 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 | $74,412 | $6,201 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $90,358 | $7,530 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $100,988 | $8,416 | +36% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $114,382 | $9,532 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $146,698 | $12,225 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $172,211 | $14,351 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $178,589 | $14,882 | +140% |
Current Salary
$114,382
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $55/hr
Next Level Target
$146,698
Staff · 10
+$32Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
34/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Environmental Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Senior Environmental Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $114K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Environmental Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $114K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $55/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior 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 $130K–$156K/yr.