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Job outlook for environmental attorneys in the United States
Are environmental attorney jobs in demand?
Environmental attorney job and salary trends over time
Environmental attorney jobs over time
Environmental attorney job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 155 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 150 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 150 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 147 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 143 | 0.00% |
Average environmental attorney salary over time
Environmental attorney salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $81,766 | $39.31 | +3.2% |
| 2025 | $79,209 | $38.08 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $77,888 | $37.45 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $76,819 | $36.93 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $76,116 | $36.59 | +2.0% |
Environmental attorney jobs by state
Most common states for environmental attorneys
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 182 | 26% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 53 | 7% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 51 | 7% |
| 4 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 36 | 6% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 73 | 5% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 275 | 4% |
| 7 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 231 | 4% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 147 | 4% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 72 | 4% |
| 10 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,096 | 3% |
| 11 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 631 | 3% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 280 | 3% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 253 | 3% |
| 14 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 231 | 3% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 103 | 3% |
| 16 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 46 | 3% |
| 17 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 46 | 3% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 38 | 3% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 31 | 3% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 19 | 3% |
Most common cities for environmental attorneys
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sacramento | 1 | 0% | $99,887 |
Environmental Attorney job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of environmental attorney experts
University of Cincinnati
Lewis and Clark School of Law
University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
James Tomaszewski
Director of the Center for Professional DevelopmentUniversity of Cincinnati
College of Law
What skills stand out on Environmental Attorney resumes?
James Tomaszewski: Demonstrated commitment to a particular practice area, especially experiential learning opportunities such as externships and clinics.
What skills will help Environmental Attorneys earn the most?
James Tomaszewski: Hard work, excellent writing, and interpersonal finesse.
How have salaries changed over time for Environmental Attorneys?
Joel Silverman: Absolutely. Salaries have gone up by 50%, since I started, 20 years ago. Unfortunately, the cost of education has gone up faster than the increase in salaries. With that said, an attorney truly has a sky's the limit to their salary. If an attorney can understand the business of the practice of law, then that attorney has a leg up on all other competition. The business of the practice will also change, based upon the firm you are working in, at the time. However, the end result is that the better you understand the business (which isn't taught in law school), then the more you will make within the practice.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Environmental Attorney job market given the pandemic?
Joel Silverman: I believe that the biggest trend we will see in the job market is that job seekers are going to have to become more flexible. Not only are they going to have to think about what is going to get them a job, but what are they going to bring to the table for an employer in a rapidly changing market? How can the recent graduate bring more than just the same old legal knowledge? Do they have marketing and sales experience? How can a new attorney help a firm with their social media presence? IT experience and remote learning/educating? Technology continues to evolve and shape the way in which we practice our craft and market our skills. The new graduate has the potential for a set of skills that the employer does not have and therefore, the graduate has to make that part of their practice shine.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Environmental Attorneys?
Joel Silverman: We are unique, in that we are looking for team players and attorneys that want to market and learn about the business of law. For us, it is imperative that an attorney keep an open mind towards learning about more than just the law, but about psychology, business, marketing, sales and the law. We aren't looking for experts, but those that want to grow in a more wholistic sense, within the practice of law.
Hanna Royce
Assistant Dean of Career ServicesUniversity of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
Career Services Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Environmental Attorney job market given the pandemic?
Hanna Royce: The pandemic has shown many law firms that their employees can work successfully in a remote environment. I expect to see more remote opportunities. Job seekers also need to be prepared to convey themselves professionally through virtual interviews.