Environmental Designer Jobs in Ithaca, NY

Ithaca, New York$71,550 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: June 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Environmental Designer Jobs in Ithaca

Looking for a Environmental Designer job in Ithaca? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Environmental Designer in Ithaca, NY.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Ithaca has a strong job market for Environmental Designers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Environmental Designer Salary in Ithaca

Entry Level
$45,050
Median
$71,550
Senior Level
$103,615

Environmental Designer salaries in Ithaca are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Ithaca is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Spatial DesignCAD/3D ModelingWayfindingBrand ExperienceProject Management

Environmental Designer Job Market in Ithaca

Ithaca, NY is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Environmental Designer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Ithaca offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Education leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Environmental Designer roles across various sectors. The market for Environmental Designer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Environmental Designers in Ithaca

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Environmental Designers in Ithaca include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Environmental Designers in Ithaca

Living in Ithaca as a Environmental Designer means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Housing costs are manageable for Environmental Designer salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

106
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Environmental Designer in Ithaca

Ithaca Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Environmental Designers in Ithaca: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Environmental Designer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in New York

New York has relatively high state income taxes. A Environmental Designer earning $71,550 might pay approximately $5,724 in state income tax. However, New York's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Environmental Designers

The job outlook for Environmental Designers in Ithaca is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Ithaca offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Spatial Design, CAD/3D Modeling, Wayfinding, Brand Experience.

Relocating to Ithaca

New York has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Environmental Designer salary in Ithaca, NY?

The average Environmental Designer salary in Ithaca, NY is $71,550 per year. Entry-level Environmental Designers typically start around $45,050, while experienced professionals can earn $103,615 or more. The national average for Environmental Designer roles is $67,500.

How many Environmental Designer jobs are available in Ithaca?

Ithaca has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Environmental Designer professionals. Major employers hiring Environmental Designers include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Education and Technology sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Ithaca a good city for Environmental Designers?

Ithaca is an excellent choice for Environmental Designers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's education industry creates strong demand for design professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Environmental Designers in Ithaca?

Top skills for Environmental Designers in Ithaca include Spatial Design, CAD/3D Modeling, Wayfinding, Brand Experience, Project Management. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork. Relevant certifications like LEED certification can strengthen your candidacy.

What is the cost of living for Environmental Designers in Ithaca?

Ithaca's cost of living is near the national average (106% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Ithaca is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Environmental Designers in Ithaca?

Ithaca Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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