EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Environmental Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$199,639/yr
Typical range: $177,085 – $212,518
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Environmental Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Environmental Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $101,266 | $8,439 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $122,966 | $10,247 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $137,433 | $11,453 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $155,661 | $12,972 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $199,639 | $16,637 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $234,359 | $19,530 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $243,039 | $20,253 | +140% |
Current Salary
$199,639
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $96/hr
Next Level Target
$234,359
Principal · 14
+$35Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
34/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Environmental Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Environmental Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $200K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $200K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $96/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Environmental Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Environmental Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $177K–$213K/yr.