EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Environmental Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$192,020/yr
Typical range: $170,326 – $204,408
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Environmental Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Environmental Engineer Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $97,402 | $8,117 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $118,273 | $9,856 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $132,188 | $11,016 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $149,720 | $12,477 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $192,020 | $16,002 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $225,415 | $18,785 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $233,764 | $19,480 | +140% |
Current Salary
$192,020
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $92/hr
Next Level Target
$225,415
Principal · 14
+$33Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
34/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Environmental Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Environmental Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $192K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Environmental Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $192K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $92/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Environmental Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Environmental Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $170K–$204K/yr.