Environmental Engineers
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.
Common Job Titles
- Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental Remediation Specialist
- Sanitary Engineer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign pollution control systems and remediation technologies integrating engineering principles with environmental chemistry and physics knowledge.Advanced
- KnowledgeDevelop site remediation strategies and waste treatment plans collaborating with interdisciplinary teams under regulatory constraints.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize technical reports and engineering specifications communicating complex findings to regulatory agencies and external stakeholders.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate mathematical models for pollution dispersion and hydrological flow using MATLAB, FORTRAN, and specialized simulation software.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate environmental compliance with federal and state regulations using monitoring data from site assessments and laboratory analyses.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze environmental monitoring data and laboratory results using statistical software and spectrophotometers to assess contamination levels.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate environmental sampling equipment and analytical instrumentation including gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, and multiparameter water quality instruments.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply GIS systems and CAD software to design site remediation layouts and model environmental processes.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate environmental stewardship principles with engineering design constraints when balancing sustainability objectives with project feasibility and cost considerations.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate environmentally responsible engineering practices when consulting with clients and negotiating with regulatory bodies.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess environmental hazards and contamination risks conducting field inspections and evaluating soil, water, and air quality data.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Environmental Engineers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
37,950
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $64,950. 25th percentile: U.S. $80,510. 50th percentile: U.S. $104,170. 75th percentile: U.S. $130,830. 90th percentile: U.S. $161,910. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $64,950 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $161,910 |
| Workers on average earn | $110,570 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Engineering and Technology5.0/5
- Design4.6/5
- Chemistry4.0/5
- Mathematics4.0/5
- Building and Construction3.9/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Bentley MicroStation
- C++
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
- Python
- SAS
- The MathWorks MATLAB
Technology Skills
- ANSYS simulation software
- Air dispersion modeling software
- Business software applications
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
- Continuous emission management software
- DHI Water and Environment MIKE SHE
- ESRI ArcView
Tools & Equipment
- Air incubators
- Air velocity meters
- Ambient air measurement devices
- Anaerobic growth chambers
- Argon ionization detectors
- Atomic absorption AA spectrometers
- Atomic absorption AA spectrophotometers
- Autoclaves