Home / City Job Salaries / Environmental Engineer in Tacoma

Environmental Engineer Salary in Tacoma, WA

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

Median Salary
$115,770
per year in Tacoma
Entry Level
$70,417
Starting salary
Senior Level
$158,737
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
131
31% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$70,417$115,770$158,737
Monthly$5,868$9,648$13,228
Biweekly$2,708$4,453$6,105
Weekly$1,354$2,226$3,053
Hourly$34$56$76

Tacoma vs National Average

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

Tacoma Salary
$115,770
COL Index: 131
National Average
$98,090
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$17,680
Higher in Tacoma

Cost of Living in Tacoma

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,900
per month
Median Income
$62,345
per year
Population
220,778
residents
Rent % of Income
36.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 131 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Tacoma 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
-9%
Los Angeles, CA
$119,780
+3%
Chicago, IL
$107,550
-7%
Houston, TX
$110,500
-5%
Phoenix, AZ
$93,390
-19%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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 Tacoma.

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 Tacoma.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Tacoma, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a environmental engineer in Tacoma, WA is $115,770 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 131. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Tacoma's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level environmental engineer professionals in Tacoma can expect to earn around $70,417 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level environmental engineers earning approximately $158,737 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Tacoma's cost of living index of 131 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Tacoma 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 Tacoma typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,900 per month, housing represents about 19.7% 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 Tacoma, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.