Top Environmental Consulting Firms: 10 Leaders Shaping 2025

Environmental consulting firms help organizations meet regulatory requirements, manage risk, and design sustainability strategies in a world where ESG and climate change are top priorities. The best environmental consulting firms provide services that range from environmental impact assessments to remediation and renewable energy consulting, supporting industries from construction to energy. Whether you are exploring career options or researching which consulting firms specialize in environmental services, understanding the leaders in this space is essential. In this article, we will explore the top 10 environmental consulting firms making an impact in 2025.

TL;DR - What You Need to Know

• The top environmental consulting firms in 2025 include AECOM, Tetra Tech, Jacobs, and other leaders offering compliance, remediation, and sustainability consulting.
• The Big 5 consulting firms also operate in environmental services, combining strategy expertise with ESG and climate change consulting.
• The Big 4 consulting firms provide environmental consulting services in compliance, reporting, renewable energy, and risk management for global clients.
• The average pay for an environmental consultant ranges from $60,000 entry-level to $150,000+ for senior roles in specialized areas.
• Demand for environmental consultants is rising as industries prioritize ESG, renewable energy consulting, and environmental impact assessments.

What are the top environmental consulting firms?

The top environmental consulting firms in 2025 include global leaders and specialized firms that provide regulatory compliance, sustainability consulting, site remediation, and renewable energy solutions. These firms are recognized for guiding clients through complex environmental and regulatory challenges across industries.

Here are 10 leading firms shaping the industry:

1. AECOM – Offers environmental impact assessments, remediation, and sustainability strategies, with expertise in emerging contaminants such as PFAS.
2. Tetra Tech – Specializes in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, integrating ESG consulting and climate resilience.
3. Jacobs – Provides environmental compliance, climate response projects, and sustainability initiatives aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
4. ICF – Advisory and technology firm delivering environmental strategy, program management, and data-driven solutions.
5. TRC Companies – Supports public and private clients with environmental compliance, emergency planning, and site remediation.
6. Trinity Consultants – Focuses on regulatory compliance, air quality, waste management, and offers training and technology tools.
7. Haley & Aldrich – Delivers contaminated site management, EHS compliance, and geotechnical engineering solutions.
8. Anchor QEA – Known for shoreline and aquatic projects, including sediment management and coastal resiliency.
9. GZA GeoEnvironmental – Employee-owned firm offering geotechnical engineering, ecological services, and water resource management.
10. Partner Engineering and Science – Provides environmental consulting, land surveying, EHS compliance, and lifecycle project support.

What is the average pay for an environmental consultant?

The average pay for an environmental consultant ranges from $60,000 to $75,000 at entry-level, $85,000 to $110,000 at mid-level, and $120,000 or more for senior roles. Salaries vary by firm size, location, and specialization in environmental consulting firms.

Key salary insights:

• Entry-level: $60,000 to $75,000, with additional signing or performance bonuses at some firms.
• Mid-level: $85,000 to $110,000, depending on experience and technical expertise.
• Senior-level: $120,000 to $150,000+, with leadership roles in ESG or sustainability often paying more.
• Specialized areas: Climate change consulting, renewable energy, and risk management typically command higher salaries.

Compensation also reflects demand across industries like energy, construction, and government, where regulatory compliance and sustainability initiatives are increasingly prioritized.

What is the highest paid environmental job today?

The highest paid environmental jobs today include sustainability directors, ESG consultants, and renewable energy project managers, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles reflect the growing demand for expertise in climate change, regulatory compliance, and corporate sustainability.

Examples of top-paying roles:

• Sustainability Director – Oversees ESG strategy and implementation, earning $150,000 to $200,000.
• ESG Consultant – Advises on regulatory compliance and reporting, averaging $130,000 to $160,000.
• Renewable Energy Project Manager – Leads solar and wind projects, earning $120,000 to $150,000.
• Environmental Risk Manager – Focuses on compliance and risk mitigation, salaries up to $145,000.

These positions highlight where environmental consulting intersects with high-value corporate strategy and renewable energy innovation.

Is there a demand for environmental consultants?

Yes, there is strong demand for environmental consultants as industries face tighter regulations, ESG reporting requirements, and climate change challenges. Companies in energy, construction, and government sectors are increasingly turning to top environmental consulting firms to manage compliance, design sustainability programs, and reduce environmental risk.

Key demand drivers include:

• Regulatory compliance: Stricter laws require expert guidance on environmental impact assessments and reporting.
• ESG expectations: Investors and stakeholders demand transparent sustainability consulting.
• Climate change consulting: Growth in decarbonization and renewable energy projects drives new opportunities.
• Industry reliance: Construction, utilities, and manufacturing require consultants for site remediation and safety.

Overall, employment of environmental consultants is projected to grow faster than average compared to other consulting roles.

What degree is best for environmental consulting?

The best degrees for environmental consulting are environmental science, engineering, or related fields, often combined with policy or business studies. Many consultants also pursue graduate degrees such as a master’s in environmental management or an MBA to strengthen their technical and strategic expertise.

Recommended academic paths include:

• Environmental Science – Builds a foundation in ecology, biology, and sustainability.
• Engineering – Focus on civil, chemical, or environmental engineering for technical projects.
• Policy and Law – Supports expertise in regulatory compliance and environmental policy advisory.
• Business or MBA – Equips consultants with strategic and management skills for ESG and sustainability projects.

Additional certifications such as LEED accreditation or ESG-focused programs can also enhance career opportunities.

Which consulting firm is most prestigious in this field?

McKinsey & Company is often considered the most prestigious consulting firm in environmental services due to its global reputation, high-profile client base, and leadership in sustainability and climate change consulting. Other top environmental consulting firms like BCG and Bain are also highly regarded for their work in ESG and renewable energy.

Prestige factors in environmental consulting:

• Global reputation: Recognized influence in strategy and sustainability.
• Client portfolio: Advises governments and leading corporations on environmental transformation.
• Thought leadership: Publishes research on climate change consulting and ESG trends.
• Competitive placement: Highly selective recruiting attracts top talent worldwide.

Prestige in this field often aligns with firms’ impact on global climate strategy and their ability to deliver results at scale.

Final Thoughts on Environmental Consulting Firms

Environmental consulting firms play a critical role in helping industries balance growth with sustainability. From regulatory compliance and site remediation to ESG strategy and renewable energy consulting, these firms provide expertise that is increasingly essential in today’s economy. Whether you are considering a career in environmental consulting or evaluating firms for services, understanding the top players gives you clarity on opportunities and trends. As demand for climate change consulting and sustainability solutions continues to rise, the influence of leading environmental consulting companies will only grow stronger in shaping a more resilient future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the disadvantages of being an environmental consultant?
A: The disadvantages of being an environmental consultant include long hours, frequent travel, and the pressure of meeting strict regulatory compliance deadlines. Balancing client expectations with sustainability consulting goals can also be challenging.

Q: Is environmental consulting lucrative?
A: Environmental consulting can be lucrative, with top environmental consulting firms paying six-figure salaries at senior levels. Specialists in ESG consulting, climate change consulting, and renewable energy consulting often command higher compensation.

Q: How to become an environmental consultant?
A: To become an environmental consultant, most professionals earn a degree in environmental science, engineering, or sustainability, then gain experience in environmental consulting services like impact assessment, site remediation, or water resource management.

Q: What does an Environmental Consultant actually do?
A: An environmental consultant provides environmental consulting services that include conducting environmental impact assessments, advising on regulatory compliance, and helping clients manage sustainability strategies such as renewable energy projects or health and safety consulting.

Q: How much does an Environmental Consultant charge?
A: An environmental consultant typically charges hourly or project-based fees, ranging from $75–$150 per hour for junior roles to higher rates for specialists in environmental risk management, sustainability consulting, or site remediation projects.