What You Need to Know About Hazardous Materials Removal Worker
Job Description & Duties Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.
A Day in the Life of a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker
- Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.
- Clean contaminated equipment or areas for re-use, using detergents or solvents, sandblasters, filter pumps, or steam cleaners.
- Upload baskets of irradiated elements onto machines that insert fuel elements into canisters and secure lids.
- Sort specialized hazardous waste at landfills or disposal centers, following proper disposal procedures.
- Apply bioremediation techniques to hazardous wastes to allow naturally occurring bacteria to break down toxic substances.
- Identify or separate waste products or materials for recycling or reuse.
Featured schools near , edit
What Every Hazardous Materials Removal Worker Should Know
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Other Hazardous Materials Removal Worker Job Titles
- Hazardous Waste Remover
- Waste Disposal Attendant
- Asbestos Handler
- Asbestos Worker
- Decontamination / Decommissioning Operator (D & D Operator)
Is There Going to be Demand for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers?
There were about 46,200 jobs for Hazardous Materials Removal Worker in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 17.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7,900 new jobs for Hazardous Materials Removal Worker by 2026. The BLS estimates 6,700 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Hazardous Materials Removal Worker are Utah, Wyoming, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Michigan, Pennsylvania, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers make between $27,910 and $75,840 a year.

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers who work in New York, Washington, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Hazardous Materials Removal Workers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $43,720 |
Alaska | $64,460 |
Arizona | $36,620 |
Arkansas | $33,140 |
California | $49,470 |
Colorado | $41,170 |
Connecticut | $41,060 |
Delaware | $41,420 |
District of Columbia | $41,510 |
Florida | $38,680 |
Georgia | $43,450 |
Hawaii | $58,120 |
Illinois | $57,570 |
Indiana | $43,320 |
Iowa | $39,970 |
Kansas | $35,780 |
Kentucky | $44,180 |
Louisiana | $38,910 |
Maine | $37,650 |
Maryland | $41,210 |
Massachusetts | $48,780 |
Michigan | $44,700 |
Minnesota | $45,580 |
Mississippi | $36,020 |
Missouri | $50,290 |
Montana | $46,950 |
Nebraska | $43,870 |
Nevada | $42,160 |
New Hampshire | $45,030 |
New Jersey | $56,860 |
New Mexico | $57,780 |
New York | $61,780 |
North Carolina | $29,420 |
North Dakota | $54,940 |
Ohio | $48,370 |
Oklahoma | $40,540 |
Oregon | $45,440 |
Pennsylvania | $48,640 |
Rhode Island | $46,330 |
South Carolina | $33,310 |
South Dakota | $38,040 |
Tennessee | $59,470 |
Texas | $39,610 |
Utah | $43,770 |
Vermont | $37,250 |
Virginia | $39,250 |
Washington | $62,040 |
West Virginia | $36,750 |
Wisconsin | $39,310 |
Wyoming | $50,240 |
What Tools do Hazardous Materials Removal Workers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Hazardous Materials Removal Workers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Presentation software
- Internet browser software
- Computerized maintenance management system software CMMS
Becoming a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker
Are there Hazardous Materials Removal Workers education requirements?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Hazardous Materials Removal Workers?

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
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 > |