What is a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker?
Position Description 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.
What Do Hazardous Materials Removal Workers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Operate machines or equipment to remove, package, store, or transport loads of waste materials.
- Package, store, or move irradiated fuel elements in the underwater storage basins of nuclear reactor plants, using machines or equipment.
- Upload baskets of irradiated elements onto machines that insert fuel elements into canisters and secure lids.
- Operate cranes to move or load baskets, casks, or canisters.
- Record numbers of containers stored at disposal sites, specifying amounts or types of equipment or waste disposed.
- Mix or pour concrete into forms to encase waste material for disposal.
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Things a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker Should Know How to Do
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.
Types of Hazardous Materials Removal Worker Jobs
- Waste Disposal Attendant
- Junk Removal Specialist
- Material Handling Technician
- Asbestos Handler
- Asbestos Coverer
Job Outlook for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
In the United States, there were 46,200 jobs for Hazardous Materials Removal Worker in 2016. 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.
Hazardous Materials Removal Worker Average Salary
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 each U.S. state?
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 & Technology 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
How to Become a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker
What kind of Hazardous Materials Removal Worker requirements are there?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers Sector

Below are examples of industries where Hazardous Materials Removal Workers work:

Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Hazardous Materials Removal Worker in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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