u/Firm_Bet_8339

Hello guys, Long-time lurker, finally posting because I just made a move and want a gut-check from people in the field.

27M, Environmental Scientist → Environmental Engineering. I just accepted a Water/WW EIT role at $95k in Nebraska. Fair comp? Where does it go from here?

What makes this a bit unusual: I actually had no engineering background 25 months ago. I studied really hard in grad school, took all the deficiency courses, passed the FE in Oct 2025, then passed the PE in April 2026.

Background:

• 27M, BS in Environmental Science 2020, then MS in Environmental Engineering (completed 2025)
• Currently working as an Environmental Scientist
• EIT, passed the PE (environmental) exam — not yet licensed. Still need 4 years of qualifying engineering experience, and my prior lab experience won't count toward it, so the clock effectively starts with this new role
• CHMM, HAZWOPER
• 5.4 yrs at a big environmental laboratory as an Environmental Scientist/Specialist (air, water, wastewater, RCRA/CWA/CAA compliance, pilot treatment design)

Comp:

• $95k base (they opened at $88k, I pushed to $95k and they accepted)
• ~7% ESOP contribution (employee-owned firm)
• 401k match (100% of first 5%)
• 8% annual raise, split July/February
• Nebraska

Questions for the group:

1. Is $95k fair for an EIT with an MS + 5.4 yrs experience as scientist+ passed PE exam in a MCOL Midwest market (Nebraska), or did I leave money on the table?
2. For those who went EIT → licensed PE at a large consulting firm — how big was the bump when your license actually issued, and did the title change automatically?
3. Realistically, what's the path/timeline to $120k+ in water/wastewater consulting?

Trying to feel out if I'm on track or behind. Appreciate any honest takes. Thank you so much in advance.