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Environmental Engineer

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What Do Environmental Engineer Do?

Occupation 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.

Life As an Environmental Engineer

  • Prepare, review, or update environmental investigation or recommendation reports.
  • Write reports or articles for Web sites or newsletters related to environmental engineering issues.
  • Assist in budget implementation, forecasts, or administration.
  • Monitor progress of environmental improvement programs.
  • Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment.
  • Assess, sort, characterize, or pack known or unknown materials.

Environmental Engineer Skills

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.

  • Environmental Remediation Engineer
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Remediation Project Engineer
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Water Treatment Plant Engineer

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. The BLS estimates 4,000 yearly job openings in this field.

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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

The typical yearly salary for Environmental Engineers is somewhere between $53,180 and $137,090.

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Environmental Engineers who work in Alaska, Louisiana, or California, make the highest salaries.

How much do Environmental Engineers make 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
  • Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
  • Maplesoft Maple
  • Simulation software

How do I Become an Environmental Engineer?

Learn what Environmental Engineer education requirements there are.

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where Environmental Engineers Are Employed

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Environmental Engineers work in the following industries:

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Similar Careers

Those interested in being an Environmental Engineer may also be interested in:

Are you already one of the many Environmental Engineer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

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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