Environmental / Compliance Officer Salary
Salary Breakdown
Top Paying Cities
| City | State | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | DC | $82,000 |
| San Francisco | CA | $80,000 |
| New York | NY | $78,000 |
| Houston | TX | $72,000 |
| Denver | CO | $70,000 |
About This Role
Environmental and compliance officers ensure waste management operations meet federal, state, and local environmental regulations. They conduct facility audits, manage permit applications, prepare regulatory reports, and investigate environmental incidents. This role is critical for avoiding costly fines and maintaining a company's operating licenses.
Key Skills
Certifications
Job Outlook
Environmental compliance roles are projected to grow as regulations become more stringent and public scrutiny of waste disposal practices increases. Companies are investing in compliance staff to manage emerging regulations around PFAS, landfill gas emissions, and extended producer responsibility programs. Professionals with environmental science degrees and industry certifications have the strongest job prospects.
Environmental / Compliance Jobs Hiring Now
- Floor Technician - Environmental Services - Full Time - DaysFull-TimeWellstar Health System · Marietta, GA
- Lowboy & Walking Floor Truck DriversFull-TimeVMG Group · Old Bridge, NJ
- Part time Wastewater Treatment OperatorPart-TimeEEMA O & M Services Group · Lake Harmony, PA
- Industrial Electrician IIFull-TimeFairfax County Government · Fairfax, VA
- Container DriverFull-TimeRepublic Services · Hickory, NC
Environmental / Compliance Officer Career Path & Salary Expectations
A career as a environmental / compliance officer in the waste management industry offers a clear trajectory from entry-level positions starting around $45,000 per year to senior roles earning $105,000 or more annually. With the national average sitting at $65,000 ($31.00/hr), professionals in this field can expect competitive compensation that grows with experience, certifications, and geographic location. Top-paying markets like Washington offer salaries as high as $82,000. Whether you are just entering the waste and recycling industry or looking to advance your career, investing in relevant skills and certifications is the most reliable path to higher earning potential in this essential and growing sector.