What Does it Take to Be an Environmental Engineer?
Job Description: 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.
A Day in the Life of an Environmental Engineer
- Develop site-specific health and safety protocols, such as spill contingency plans or methods for loading or transporting waste.
- Direct installation or operation of environmental monitoring devices or supervise related data collection programs.
- Monitor progress of environmental improvement programs.
- Advise industries or government agencies about environmental policies and standards.
- Prepare hazardous waste manifests or land disposal restriction notifications.
- Assess the existing or potential environmental impact of land use projects on air, water, or land.
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Skills Needed to be an Environmental Engineer
These are the skills Environmental Engineers say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles
- Environmental Remediation Specialist
- Soil Engineer
- Water Resources Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Environmental Safety Specialist
Job Outlook for Environmental Engineers
In the United States, there were 53,800 jobs for Environmental Engineer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,500 new jobs for Environmental Engineer by 2026. There will be an estimated 4,000 positions for Environmental Engineer per year.
The states with the most job growth for Environmental Engineer are Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for an Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers make between $53,180 and $137,090 a year.
Environmental Engineers who work in Alaska, Louisiana, or California, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Environmental Engineers in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $82,020 |
| Alaska | $116,680 |
| Arizona | $80,330 |
| Arkansas | $89,540 |
| California | $105,480 |
| Colorado | $98,350 |
| Connecticut | $88,810 |
| Delaware | $84,480 |
| District of Columbia | $100,060 |
| Florida | $80,540 |
| Georgia | $79,700 |
| Hawaii | $91,270 |
| Idaho | $96,870 |
| Illinois | $92,200 |
| Indiana | $82,180 |
| Iowa | $79,210 |
| Kansas | $85,400 |
| Kentucky | $80,900 |
| Louisiana | $108,980 |
| Maine | $75,440 |
| Maryland | $102,650 |
| Massachusetts | $90,070 |
| Michigan | $93,770 |
| Mississippi | $72,400 |
| Missouri | $72,290 |
| Montana | $84,960 |
| Nebraska | $90,320 |
| Nevada | $92,810 |
| New Hampshire | $99,840 |
| New Jersey | $88,360 |
| New Mexico | $95,720 |
| New York | $90,470 |
| North Carolina | $82,110 |
| North Dakota | $76,770 |
| Ohio | $85,970 |
| Oklahoma | $79,590 |
| Oregon | $97,440 |
| Pennsylvania | $89,410 |
| Rhode Island | $91,940 |
| South Carolina | $76,970 |
| South Dakota | $99,760 |
| Tennessee | $93,620 |
| Texas | $102,660 |
| Utah | $76,530 |
| Vermont | $82,430 |
| Virginia | $86,330 |
| Washington | $99,750 |
| West Virginia | $69,800 |
| Wisconsin | $81,860 |
| Wyoming | $93,680 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Environmental Engineers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Environmental Engineers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Bentley Microstation
- ESRI ArcView
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
- Insightful S-PLUS
- Maplesoft Maple
- Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
- Simulation software
Becoming an Environmental Engineer
What kind of Environmental Engineer requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Environmental Engineers Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Environmental Engineers employed by various industries.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming an Environmental Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:
- Landscape Architects
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Marine Architects
- Materials Scientists
- Nuclear Engineers
- Petroleum Engineers
- Marine Engineers
Career changers with experience as an Environmental Engineer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alesia Goosic via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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