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Job outlook for environmental project managers in the United States
Environmental project manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected environmental project manager job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 1,800 new jobs for environmental project managers are projected over the next decade.
Environmental project manager salaries have increased 9% for environmental project managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 7,500 environmental project managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 112,963 active environmental project manager job openings in the US.
The average environmental project manager salary is $78,417.
Are environmental project manager jobs in demand?
Environmental project manager job and salary trends over time
Environmental project manager jobs over time
Environmental project manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7,500 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 8,281 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 8,234 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 7,884 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 7,841 | 0.00% |
Average environmental project manager salary over time
Environmental project manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $78,417 | $37.70 | +3.7% |
| 2025 | $75,642 | $36.37 | +1.4% |
| 2024 | $74,586 | $35.86 | +0.9% |
| 2023 | $73,888 | $35.52 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $72,262 | $34.74 | +0.4% |
Environmental project manager jobs by state
Most common states for environmental project managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 570 | 82% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 218 | 29% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,716 | 25% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,331 | 24% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 308 | 23% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,823 | 22% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 412 | 21% |
| 8 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 213 | 20% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 150 | 20% |
| 10 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,142 | 19% |
| 11 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,085 | 19% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 774 | 19% |
| 13 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 260 | 19% |
| 14 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,855 | 18% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 560 | 18% |
| 16 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 369 | 18% |
| 17 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 1,934 | 17% |
| 18 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,243 | 17% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 286 | 17% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 163 | 17% |
Most common cities for environmental project managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deer Park | 4 | 12% | $82,164 |
| 2 | Santa Barbara | 6 | 7% | $104,764 |
| 3 | Portland | 4 | 6% | $66,490 |
| 4 | Boca Raton | 5 | 5% | $61,921 |
| 5 | Baton Rouge | 9 | 4% | $81,160 |
| 6 | Antioch | 3 | 3% | $111,240 |
| 7 | Irvine | 4 | 2% | $100,098 |
| 8 | Sacramento | 7 | 1% | $110,653 |
| 9 | Indianapolis | 6 | 1% | $53,407 |
| 10 | Atlanta | 5 | 1% | $67,708 |
| 11 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $84,144 |
| 12 | Oakland | 5 | 1% | $111,779 |
| 13 | Denver | 4 | 1% | $73,438 |
| 14 | Pittsburgh | 4 | 1% | $82,906 |
| 15 | Houston | 7 | 0% | $82,235 |
| 16 | Los Angeles | 7 | 0% | $101,962 |
| 17 | Chicago | 6 | 0% | $69,331 |
| 18 | Phoenix | 4 | 0% | $88,894 |
Environmental Project Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of environmental project manager experts
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
University of Rhode Island
University of Houston
Bellarmine University
Lawrence University
American University
Washington State University
Utah State University
Drake University
Gonzaga University
Gannon University
Heidelberg University
Lafayette College
Elon University
Tarleton State University
Kennesaw State University
What Environmental Project Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Virginia Charter PhD, PE, FSFPE: Employers are looking for a well-rounded engineer or specialist. They want to see individuals that have the technical area knowledge and also the capability to communicate, work on a team, problem solve, and project manage.
What will help Environmental Project Managers increase their earning potential?
Virginia Charter PhD, PE, FSFPE: The best advice I can give to new graduates is to always be willing to learn. This field is changing constantly with new challenges to protect people, property and the environment. A willingness to learn and soak up everything you can when starting out will set you on a path to success.
Stentor Danielson
Associate ProfessorSlippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What Environmental Project Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stentor Danielson: Technical skills (e.g. GIS) are always important, but I think students often overlook the importance of social skills – joining or leading a team, managing a project, communicating information effectively, community outreach, respecting diversity among coworkers and clients (I'm a big advocate of learning a second language). Good social skills will make your work more effective and open up new opportunities.
What will help Environmental Project Managers increase their earning potential?
Stentor Danielson: Environmental jobs can be some of the most important and rewarding ones out there as our society goes through this crucial moment of transition to a more sustainable future. We need people with all different skill sets and interests to make it happen.
Simona Trandafir
Associate Professor & Undergraduate Program DirectorUniversity of Rhode Island
Environmental/Natural Resources Management And Policy
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Project Manager?
Simona Trandafir: I recommend focusing on sectors and roles where the demand for environmental expertise is growing, such as sustainable energy, environmental consulting, and governmental agencies. Gaining certifications in various fields such as environmental impact assessment, energy management and sustainability reporting can be beneficial. Also, consider roles that involve economic analysis of environmental policies or management of natural resources, as these tend to offer higher compensation due to their specialized nature. Building a strong professional network and pursuing opportunities in larger, economically diverse cities or regions can also lead to higher salary prospects.
What Environmental Project Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Simona Trandafir: In the next few years, there may be a growing emphasis on skills related to data analysis and modeling due to the increasing availability of environmental data. Proficiency in tools for spatial analysis and environmental simulation software will be highly desirable. Additionally, skills in sustainability reporting and green finance will become more prevalent as businesses and governments will focus more on sustainable practices and investments. Also, effective communication skills, particularly in translating complex ecological and economic data to various stakeholders, will remain desirable.
What will help Environmental Project Managers increase their earning potential?
Simona Trandafir: I would advise graduates to leverage the interdisciplinary nature of their studies. Utilize your understanding of both economic theory and environmental science to address complex sustainability issues. It's important to stay informed about current and emerging environmental policies and to develop an adaptive mindset to respond effectively to the dynamic nature of global environmental challenges. Engaging in continuous professional development and participating in industry conferences can also greatly benefit their career growth and networking opportunities.
What Environmental Project Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Scott Rowland: Have an idea of what starting salaries are in your area. Don't over-sell yourself. Be realistic about what skills you have and about how long you are willing to commit to the company.
What Environmental Project Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mim Rahimi Ph.D.: As you progress with your career in environmental engineering, my primary advice is to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. The field is dynamic, with regulations and technologies evolving rapidly. Stay informed about industry trends, engage in professional development opportunities, and cultivate a network of peers and mentors. This proactive approach enriches your understanding and enhances your ability to contribute effectively to your workplace and community.
What will help Environmental Project Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mim Rahimi Ph.D.: In the next 3-5 years, skills in data analysis and technological proficiency, particularly in areas like GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and environmental modeling software, will become important. Additionally, soft skills such as effective communication and project management will be essential as projects often involve multidisciplinary teams and require the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Project Manager?
Martha Carlson Mazur PhD: Be a contributing member of the communities you occupy. Forming authentic relationships builds the network that will lead to opportunities for advancement.
What Environmental Project Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Martha Carlson Mazur PhD: The art of paying attention is the top emerging skill that students need to acquire before entering the workforce in Environmental Science. We have so many distractions vying for our attention in today’s high-tech world that we need to be mindful of where we choose to direct our thoughts to optimize our productivity. Likewise, paying attention to changes in the environment is of utmost importance in the work that we do, and paying attention to our own needs will keep us going in the hard but rewarding work of changing the world.
What will help Environmental Project Managers increase their earning potential?
Martha Carlson Mazur PhD: Be clear to yourself on what you value and how you want to use your unique skills and knowledge to change your piece of the world. Then, connect with people to find shared values and build relationships to enact your vision while being open to opportunities you might not have considered.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Project Manager?
Marcia Bjornerud: Be open to taking short-term jobs for a few years to get a sense of the range of career opportunities in environmental sciences and which match your skills and temperament best. Think creatively about how your interdisciplinary training in environmental sciences can be applied even in fields that are not obviously 'environmental' - e.g. city/regional government, transportation, healthcare, etc. All human activities are embedded within and dependent on the natural environment. Also, the habit of 'systems thinking' that is central to environmental science can be applied to complex human systems.
Dr. Karen Knee (she/her)
Associate Professor and Department ChairAmerican University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What will help Environmental Project Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Karen Knee (she/her): Computer skills (coding, data science, software design) as well as very human skills that can't be replicated by AI.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Project Manager?
Holly Henning: In the next 3-5 years, more students will be involved in quantifying the environmental impacts of agricultural practices in response to new regulations and ongoing producer and consumer interest in environmental practices. Students will continue to need strong communication skills to explain those practices to various stakeholders and engage in innovative partnerships with suppliers, by region and industry.
What Environmental Project Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Holly Henning: My advice to students is keep a beginners' mind as they learn their particular job. I always encourage students to seek out a mentor in their position and to ask questions and say yes when they are asked to volunteer for temporary roles that might help them learn more about their employer and the career paths available to them. I also encourage them to connect to other WSU graduates as Cougs love to help other Cougs.
What Environmental Project Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniella Hirschfeld PhD: Humanity today faces tremendous environmental challenges - chemicals in our water and air are causing major health problems, climate change is leading to increased disaster events, and biodiversity loss is at an all time high. Being an environmental designer allows people to address these challenges head on. It also gives people a chance to make other people's lives more livable, healthier, and happier.
What will help Environmental Project Managers increase their earning potential?
Daniella Hirschfeld PhD: Environmental designers work at the intersection of natural processes and human systems. One key part of that job is to bring natural systems into cities and neighborhoods. For example, an environmental designer would be the on in charge of street trees for a city. Another key part of environmental design is making sure that natural processes such as flooding does not negatively impact people. This involves understanding how a river flows and what areas are dangerous for development. Enviornmental designers also need to ensure that when people build cities, homes, or infrastructure they do not negatively impact natural areas. This often involves designing stormwater infrastructure. Environmental design is a highly interdisciplinary area of work and requires collaboration with many other professionals. Environmental designers will often work with urban planners, architects, landscape architects, transportation planners, civil engineers, etc. Ultimately they stive to design and implements solutions that enhance the quality of a space for people while having minimal impacts on ecosystems.
Keith Summerville
Levitt Distinguished Professor of Environmental Science, Paul and Claudia Schickler Executive Director, Jay N. Darling InstituteDrake University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What Environmental Project Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Keith Summerville: 1. To anyone getting a start in this field- build your professional network as early as possible- attend volunteer work days, try going to low cost local conferences or meetings (local Audubon Societies, Iowa Prairie Network, Society for Ecological Restoration Midwest Chapter, Ducks Unlimited). The more people in the field you know, the more opportunities you will be exposed to.
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair
Professor/ChairGonzaga University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What Environmental Project Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair: Do field work as much as possible while you're young! Don't shun seasonal work or internships. There are a plethora of federal jobs right now, so it's a good time to get in with a federal agency.
What will help Environmental Project Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair: We find that graphical information systems (GIS) skills are in high demand. Soft skills such as ability to work as a team, develop work plans, collaborate and communicate with diverse stakeholders, communicate technical and scientific information, are, and will be very important in the near and long term future.
Liu Cao Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Engr.Gannon University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What will help Environmental Project Managers increase their earning potential?
Liu Cao Ph.D.: Obtaining licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) can significantly enhance your career prospects and credibility. The requirements typically include passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining relevant work experience, and then passing the PE exam.
Internships, co-op programs, and volunteer work in your field can provide you with valuable experience and skills that are attractive to employers. Practical experience can also lead to higher starting salaries and better job opportunities.
The field of environmental science is rapidly evolving, influenced by global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. Keeping abreast of industry trends and technological advancements can make you more competitive in the job market. Employers value professionals who are proactive about their continuing education and professional development.
What Environmental Project Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Aaron Haines Ph.D., Certified Wildlife Biologist ®: The current most prevalent skill sets and qualifications for students interested in the ecology and environmental fields include good communication through speaking and writing. It is important to be able to communicate as an effective team member, communicate with private landowners, volunteers, and to the public for education purposes. Writing skills will be important for correctly recording data, completing certifications, helping to write grants (and other fundraising efforts) and completing reports.
Be in good physical condition to complete fieldwork and gather data. Sometimes you will be deep in the field and off-trail. The better shape you are in, the better your ability to deal with hot, cold, or humid weather conditions and bothersome insects. Physical exhaustion leads to increased errors in the field.
When in the field, certain professions prefer combinations of the following skills: Use of GPS units, ability to drive 4-wheel drive vehicles and/or ATVs, boating experience, chainsaw, herbicide and pesticide application, identification of flora and fauna, ability access soil and water quality, and prescribed fire experience.
Have standard IT skills to gather data via phone or tablet and be familiar with standard programs such as WORD, EXCEL, and ACCESS.
Future skills will include the ability to gather data remotely from the field (e.g., Lidar spatial data, acoustic recordings, remote cameras, drone data, eDNA) and onto the Could. It will also be beneficial to speak more than one language and be able to develop a strong web presence for your project and organization.
What will help Environmental Project Managers increase their earning potential?
Aaron Haines Ph.D., Certified Wildlife Biologist ®: Learn to be a team player and be reliable enough to complete tasks by yourself. Make sure your online presence is one of a professional in your field. Potential employers will search you out online. Have these searches lead to the professional you. The ecology and environmental biology fields are competitive. As a growing professional in these fields, you will begin with lower salaries compared to biology majors in other fields such as the medical, pharmaceutical, and research lab professions. Most government organizations that deal with ecology-based issues, such as natural resources or environmental monitoring, have lower budgets compared to other government departments. Also, non-government organizations that work in these fields are mainly non-profit. The best way to get into these competitive fields is via internships and temporary positions. Experience is key. Temporary positions are low pay, but they provide the building blocks of experience to get you more permanent and better pay positions or entry into graduate school with an assistantship. Graduate assistantships provide opportunities for graduate students to get paid, have benefits, and have tuition covered. That is a good deal. Look for jobs in places you would never think to look. Examples of unique employers in these fields include private consulting organizations, research labs doing environmental work, and Department of Defense.
Dr. Trish Berg
Associate Professor of Management, Heidelberg University, Tiffin, OhioHeidelberg University
Business Administration, Management And Operations
What will help Environmental Project Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Trish Berg: One career field that is in high demand and growing is project management. With the complexity and flexibility needed in today's fast-paced culture, many organizations in diverse industries rely on project managers to complete jobs and organize teams to meet the needs of customers.
Daily, project managers create plans, create work schedules, build, and motivate teams, assign, and track work from start to finish, set project setting scopes and budgets, create workflow plans, and define what key performance indicators (KPIs) are which is how they can measure project success.
Project managers must be both people focused, and task focused. Successful project managers understand what Sinek calls the power of the why in order to successfully motivate teams towards success.
Reza Khanbilvardi Ph.D.
NOAA Chair Professor pf Civil and Environmental Engineering, Director of Earth System and Environmental Engineering at CUNY City CollegeWhat will help Environmental Project Managers increase their earning potential?
Reza Khanbilvardi Ph.D.: To be in a position to maximize salary potential (at the beginning and during the work), one has to demonstrate and perform his/her job responsibilities by Being well organized, work on proper time-management skills Achieve tasks on time (and even before the deadline, if possible), Show the willingness to be involved in additional tasks/responsibility, Be collegian with all co-workers, Do not procrastinate .
Dru Germanosk Ph.D.
Dr. Ervin R. VanArtsdalen Professor of GeologyLafayette College
Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences
What hard/technical skills are most important for Environmental Project Managers?
Dru Germanosk Ph.D.: A strong multidisciplinary set of science and engineering courses along with GIS and multidisciplinary courses in environmental courses in Policy, social sciences, and the humanities. Being well-rounded, as well as having a depth of knowledge, is essential. We infuse interdisciplinary problem solving into our curriculum, including a team-based capstone seminar course.
Will Pluer Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of EngineeringElon University
Physics & Engineering Department
What skills stand out on Environmental Project Manager resumes?
Will Pluer Ph.D.: Sampling, modeling, and/or designing skills indicate that you know how to apply what you've learned in the classroom to real work situations. Technical writing skills are also broadly applicable.
What soft skills should all Environmental Project Managers possess?
Will Pluer Ph.D.: Within the job, time management is probably the most important. An employer will be impressed if you're finishing work before your deadlines. To get the job in the first place, professionalism is very important. Submit a clean and attractive resume with your application and then show up to an interview dressed for the job.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Environmental Project Managers?
Will Pluer Ph.D.: Software skills are useful entering a new job. You may need to learn new software for the company, but it will be much easier once you know the basics of how coding, design, and spreadsheet programs work. These skills are also broadly applicable whether you seek a job in consulting, government, research, etc.
What skills will help Environmental Project Managers earn the most?
Will Pluer Ph.D.: Networking. While it's not a skill that we explicitly teach, networking is probably the most valuable skill. By making connections and seeking advice or sharing expertise, you will advance in your workplace and ultimately earn more money. Networks will also allow you to find new jobs or bring your company more work.
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorTarleton State University
Department of Mechanical, Environmental and Civil Engineering
What skills stand out on Environmental Project Manager resumes?
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.: As far as the skills are concerned, the most striking would be proficiency with programs such as AutoCAD and ArcGIS as well as with technical report-writing or preparation. There are numerous industry-standard programs that are discipline-specific, such as HEC-HMS for hydrologic modeling; familiarity with these programs can make resumes stand out. Other items on the resume, such as assuming leadership roles in student and professional societies, internships with government or private organizations, and having passed the FE exam, are also attractive to recruiters.
What soft skills should all Environmental Project Managers possess?
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.: Being able to liaise with clients and contractors is perhaps the most important soft skill. The ability to play various roles in a team and also assume leadership will accelerate professional development and present more growth opportunities.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Environmental Project Managers?
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.: Familiarity with relevant regional, state, and federal regulations and compliance measures is critical for environmental engineers. Knowledge of environmental site assessments and remediation programs is a useful technical skill as well. On the project management side, skills such as preparing cost estimates and permit applications are important. Whereas earlier, many consulting firms would hire draftspersons to prepare design drawings and specifications, it is expected that the engineers perform these tasks these days - therefore, experience and proficiency with programs such as AutoCAD or Microstation or Civil 3D, and ArcGIS is imperative.
What skills will help Environmental Project Managers earn the most?
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.: I believe the ability to multi-task fast-paced projects and having excellent interpersonal communication skills will be the most beneficial, particularly in the private sector. Whilst it is not a skill, earning potential and marketability can be significantly boosted once the engineer receives their professional license - this is a credential any environmental engineer must aspire for, especially if they wish to grow into managerial positions.
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Environmental ScienceKennesaw State University
Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
What skills stand out on Environmental Project Manager resumes?
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.: When I'm looking to bring on students who want to do research in my lab, I don't go so far as to evaluate resumes, but I do ask students to come by my office so I can talk to them about it. The biggest thing I'm looking for in that conversation is why they want to do research with me, specifically. If they have taken the time to learn something about my research, that's a great first step. If they can tell me about skills or concepts they have learned in their coursework that would make them an asset to my project, that's even better. Ultimately it's about showing that they have done the legwork to understand something about me and my research project before meeting with me. The same applies to job interviews. They should be able to walk into a job interview and explain why THAT company is the one they want to work for and cite specific examples of work that company has done in the past or the types of projects they would like to contribute to. Doing that kind of research ahead of time and talking intelligently about why they are excited about the specific job or research opportunity will really help them build a rapport with whoever they're meeting with.
What soft skills should all Environmental Project Managers possess?
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.: When it comes to job opportunities, the ability to successfully work in groups is really important. Students should talk about group projects that they've worked on, how they contributed to the overall project, and how they managed that group dynamic. If there was some sort of conflict in the group, such as a member who wasn't pulling their weight or someone who wasn't communicating effectively, being able to describe how they dealt with that problem and overcame it would really demonstrate to a potential employer that they are ready to be an effective part of a team. Writing is also really important. Students should be ready to submit a writing sample that demonstrates their ability to write well. And being able to use proper grammar and spelling is just the beginning. Preferably they should submit something long enough to show that they can put together a cohesive narrative that makes a persuasive argument like a term paper.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Environmental Project Managers?
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.: I have been told recently that GIS skills are becoming more and more essential. In the past, GIS was one of those things that it used to be nice to have on a resume. A few months ago, I had a potential employer tell me that it's becoming more of a must-have skill for many jobs. Here at KSU, we are in the process of reconfiguring our curriculum to make it easier for students to earn a GIS credential through their regular course of study. We are hopeful that this will help make our graduates more employable. But ultimately, the answer to this question depends on the employment opportunity. Students should look back at their coursework, especially lab courses, and make a list of skills they have learned, analyses they have performed, or instrumentation they were trained on that would be of use to that specific employer. Going back to the syllabi from the courses you've taken can be really helpful in preparing a list like that.
What skills will help Environmental Project Managers earn the most?
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.: Ultimately, if they want to move up the ladder to the higher rungs with better salaries, students need to demonstrate leadership skills. They need to prove to an employer that they have what it takes to move on to those next steps where they may be giving orders instead of following them. Students should be on the lookout for opportunities to demonstrate that kind of talent, like taking on leadership roles within a student organization at their university or maybe working as a tutor or student instructor for a course they excelled in. Participation in learning activities beyond the regular curriculum can also help here, such as pursuing a minor that might make them stand out from their peers or doing a study abroad program that gave them some insight or perspective that others may not have.