Environmental workers across Canada earned a median base salary of $70,000 in 2023, according to a report released today by ECO Canada. The 2025 Environmental Worker Salary Insights report aims to provide benchmarks to help organizations establish competitive and equitable pay structures.
The report, which draws on data collected in spring 2023, highlights how salaries vary based on occupation, industry, region, and other factors. Among the key findings:
- Workers with more than five years of experience had a median annual salary of $85,000.
- Public sector environmental workers earned higher median salaries than those in private or not-for-profit sectors.
- Environmental workers in northern Canada had higher salaries than their counterparts in other regions.
The findings also emphasize the importance of competitive pay packages in attracting and retaining talent in the environmental sector, said Geni Peters, director of research at ECO Canada. “Successful organizations recognize that a compelling compensation package differentiates them from competitors and serves as a critical motivator for employees,” Peters said.
The report defines environmental workers as those who contribute to environmental protection, preservation, or sustainability; require specialized environmental knowledge, skills, or training; or work for organizations offering environmental goods and services.
ECO Canada’s research was supported by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.
