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Engineering and Architecture

Environmental Engineers

Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Environmental Engineers
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Median pay

$104,170
Median annual pay for Environmental Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

3.9%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

3,000
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

39,400
Estimated U.S. employment for Environmental Engineers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+1,500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Environmental Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Engineering and Technology
  2. 2Design
  3. 3Chemistry
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5Building and Construction
  6. 6English Language

Abilities

  1. 1Deductive Reasoning
  2. 2Inductive Reasoning
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Written Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Innovation
  5. 5Intellectual Curiosity
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Working with Computers
  3. 3Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  4. 4Analyzing Data or Information
  5. 5Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  6. 6Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Telephone Conversations
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  5. 5Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  6. 6Contact With Others

Representative tasks

  • Design, or supervise the design of, systems, processes, or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.
  • Assess the existing or potential environmental impact of land use projects on air, water, or land.
  • Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems.
  • Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment.
  • Develop proposed project objectives and targets and report to management on progress in attaining them.
  • Monitor progress of environmental improvement programs.
  • Prepare, review, or update environmental investigation or recommendation reports.
  • Prepare, maintain, or revise quality assurance documentation or procedures.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandAutodesk AutoCAD · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Word · in demandThe MathWorks MATLAB · hot technologyAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D · hot technologyBentley MicroStation · hot technologyC++ · hot technologyPython · hot technologyMicrosoft Project · hot technologySAS · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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