Home / City Job Salaries / Environmental Engineer in Orinda

Environmental Engineer Salary in Orinda, CA

How much does a environmental engineer make in Orinda? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Orinda's cost of living.

Median Salary
$198,377
per year in Orinda
Entry Level
$120,662
Starting salary
Senior Level
$272,003
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
158
58% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how environmental engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Orinda.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$120,662$198,377$272,003
Monthly$10,055$16,531$22,667
Biweekly$4,641$7,630$10,462
Weekly$2,320$3,815$5,231
Hourly$58$95$131

Orinda vs National Average

How Orinda's environmental engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Orinda Salary
$198,377
COL Index: 158
National Average
$98,090
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$100,287
Higher in Orinda

Cost of Living in Orinda

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,400
per month
Median Income
$192,821
per year
Population
19,860
residents
Rent % of Income
14.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 158 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Orinda have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Environmental Engineer

Overview

Develop solutions for environmental pollution and sustainability.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Environmental ScienceRegulatory ComplianceSustainabilityProject Management

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +20% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Environmental Engineer Salary

See Environmental Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,040
-47%
Los Angeles, CA
$119,780
-40%
Chicago, IL
$107,550
-46%
Houston, TX
$110,500
-44%
Phoenix, AZ
$93,390
-53%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a environmental engineer salary in Orinda.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Orinda.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Orinda.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Orinda, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a environmental engineer in Orinda, CA is $198,377 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 158. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Orinda's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level environmental engineer professionals in Orinda can expect to earn around $120,662 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level environmental engineers earning approximately $272,003 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Orinda's cost of living index of 158 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Orinda are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $98,090, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a environmental engineer's salary in Orinda typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,400 per month, housing represents about 14.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Environmental Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 20% over the next decade. In Orinda, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.