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Behind every environmental regulation and industry pollution control standard, environmental engineers power the science to craft policy and change the world. These specialized engineers work anywhere from waste management to water supply, studying how processes and individuals interact with the environment.

Unlike some engineering jobs, environmental engineers may spend a lot of time in the field. You might find them at hazardous waste cleanup sites, streamlining the recovery effort. You could spot an environmental engineer testing oxygen availability in a coal mine or waste reduction at an oilfield. No matter where they're found, environmental engineers perform a crucial job for future generations.

Environmental engineer salary information

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that environmental engineers earned a median annual salary of $78,740 in 2010. The top 10 percent of earners brought in $119,060, while the bottom 10 percent earned $48,980. Top-paying states in the career are:

1. Utah: $110,650
2. Alabama: $100,540
3. District of Columbia: $99,150
4. Vermont: $96,940
5. New Mexico: $96,480

Consider your location when thinking about earnings. Environmental engineers can be found in low cost of living cities: Salt Lake City, Utah; Huntsville, Ala.; and Albuquerque, N.M., for example. All three cities feature a lower cost of living than cities in Vermont, D.C. and other historically high-paying states, such as California, according to Missouri Economic Research and Information Center 2011 data. Your paycheck may stretch further in some of these areas with a lower cost of living.

In addition to state information, the BLS also provides the top-paying industries in which environmental engineers are employed:

1. Oil and gas extraction: $123,320
2. Pipeline transportation of natural gas: $101,330
3. Motor vehicle manufacturing: $97,720
4. Federal executive branch: $97,080
5. Computer systems design and related services: $95,000

GlassDoor.com provides salary ranges for entry level environmental engineers at the following companies:

1. Camp Dresser McKee: $50,000-$85,000
2. URS: $47,000-$68,000
3. CH2M HILL: $48,000-$92,000
4. ARCADIS US: $49,000-$67,000

Salary.com offers salary averages for environmental engineers at various points of their careers:

1. 0-2 years of experience: $53,501
2. 2-4 years of experience: $64,391
3. 4-6 years of experience: $78,397
4. 6-8 years of experience: $86,224
5. 8-10 years of experience: $104,251

Browse environmental engineer training online and find the education that is typically required for careers in the field.

Train to become an environmental engineer

A bachelor's degree is considered the standard for entry level careers in environmental engineering. O*Net reports that, among all environmental engineers, 90 percent held a bachelor's degree while 10 percent held a master's degree. Training includes instruction in computer-aided design software, physics, tools like air velocity monitors and photo imaging software.

Booming career outlook for environmental engineers

More stringent environmental regulations and a higher general awareness for eco-friendly practices mean big potential career gains for environmental engineers. The BLS reports that job opportunities are projected to grow 31 percent in the profession between 2008 and 2018, faster than all other engineering occupations. Find the training you need to join a growing trend at environmental engineer schools.