What Does it Take to Be an Environmental Engineer?
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.
What Do Environmental Engineers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Prepare or present public briefings on the status of environmental engineering projects.
- Coordinate or manage environmental protection programs or projects, assigning or evaluating work.
- Assist in budget implementation, forecasts, or administration.
- Provide administrative support for projects by collecting data, providing project documentation, training staff, or performing other general administrative duties.
- Advise industries or government agencies about environmental policies and standards.
- Serve as liaison with federal, state, or local agencies or officials on issues pertaining to solid or hazardous waste program requirements.
Things an Environmental Engineer Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Environmental Engineers say are important on the job.
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 for this Occupation:
- Environmental Remediation Engineer
- Environmental Coordinator
- Reservoir Engineer
- Environmental Project Manager
- Environmental Scientist
Is There Job Demand for Environmental Engineers?
There were about 53,800 jobs for Environmental Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
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.
What is the Average Salary of an Environmental Engineer
The average yearly salary of an Environmental Engineer ranges between $53,180 and $137,090.
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
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Environmental Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- 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 to Become an Environmental Engineer
What education is needed to be an Environmental Engineer?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Environmental Engineer?
Environmental Engineers Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
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
Those who work as an Environmental Engineer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
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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