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Construction and Trades

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
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Median pay

$48,490
Median annual pay for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

5,000
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

51,300
Estimated U.S. employment for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

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

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
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. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Public Safety and Security
  2. 2Administration and Management
  3. 3Transportation
  4. 4Customer and Personal Service
  5. 5Building and Construction
  6. 6Mechanical

Abilities

  1. 1Problem Sensitivity
  2. 2Oral Comprehension
  3. 3Control Precision
  4. 4Near Vision
  5. 5Oral Expression
  6. 6Arm-Hand Steadiness

Career interests

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

Work styles

  1. 1Cautiousness
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  4. 4Performing General Physical Activities
  5. 5Handling and Moving Objects
  6. 6Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  3. 3Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  4. 4Health and Safety of Other Workers
  5. 5Exposed to Contaminants
  6. 6Telephone Conversations

Representative tasks

  • Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work.
  • Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.
  • Identify asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices.
  • Prepare hazardous material for removal or storage.
  • Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.
  • Load or unload materials into containers or onto trucks, using hoists or forklifts.
  • Clean contaminated equipment or areas for reuse, using detergents or solvents, sandblasters, filter pumps, or steam cleaners.
  • Remove or limit contamination following emergencies involving hazardous substances.

Software and tools

Jenkins CI · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyComputerized maintenance management system software CMMSDatabase softwareInventory management systemsXactware Xactimate

Sources

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

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