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.
SOC: 17-2081.00
Common Job Titles
Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Remediation Specialist
Sanitary Engineer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeDesign pollution control systems and remediation technologies integrating engineering principles with environmental chemistry and physics knowledge.
Advanced
KnowledgeDevelop site remediation strategies and waste treatment plans collaborating with interdisciplinary teams under regulatory constraints.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize technical reports and engineering specifications communicating complex findings to regulatory agencies and external stakeholders.
Advanced
KnowledgeFormulate mathematical models for pollution dispersion and hydrological flow using MATLAB, FORTRAN, and specialized simulation software.
Advanced
KnowledgeEvaluate environmental compliance with federal and state regulations using monitoring data from site assessments and laboratory analyses.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze environmental monitoring data and laboratory results using statistical software and spectrophotometers to assess contamination levels.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate environmental sampling equipment and analytical instrumentation including gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, and multiparameter water quality instruments.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply GIS systems and CAD software to design site remediation layouts and model environmental processes.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate environmental stewardship principles with engineering design constraints when balancing sustainability objectives with project feasibility and cost considerations.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate environmentally responsible engineering practices when consulting with clients and negotiating with regulatory bodies.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess environmental hazards and contamination risks conducting field inspections and evaluating soil, water, and air quality data.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Environmental Engineers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
37,950
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $64,950. 25th percentile: U.S. $80,510. 50th percentile: U.S. $104,170. 75th percentile: U.S. $130,830. 90th percentile: U.S. $161,910. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$64,950
10% of workers earn the following or more
$161,910
Workers on average earn
$110,570
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Engineering and Technology5.0/5
Design4.6/5
Chemistry4.0/5
Mathematics4.0/5
Building and Construction3.9/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
