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.
Featured schools near , edit
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- 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.
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.
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.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Environmental Engineers Are Employed
Environmental Engineers work in the following industries:
Similar Careers
Those interested in being an Environmental Engineer may also be interested in:
- 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
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.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.