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.
Environmental Engineers
SOC: 17-2081 O*NET: 17-2081.00
Median Salary
$104,170
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.9%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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 does a Environmental Engineers do?
How much can you earn?
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$62,502
25th
$83,336
50th (Median)
$104,170
75th
$125,004
90th
$156,255
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:39,400
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.9%
Annual Openings:3,000
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)39,400
Current
2034 (Projected)41,000
+3.9%
+1,500
Employment Change
+3.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Monitoring
86%
#4
Reading Comprehension
80%
#5
Speaking
74%
#6
Writing
66%
#7
Complex Problem Solving
60%
#8
Judgment and Decision Making
54%
#9
Coordination
46%
#10
Active Learning
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.0
80%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Writing
intermediate3.3
66%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.0
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Sustainability Specialists100%
5 shared skills
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists100%
5 shared skills
Accountants and Auditors82%
5 shared skills
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers82%
5 shared skills
Precision Agriculture Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Air Traffic Controllers82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Monitoring
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Complex Problem Solving
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Environmental Engineers
Technology Intensity
Very High
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
SAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
🔥 Hot TechBentley MicroStation
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechESRI ArcGIS software
🔥 Hot TechC++
🔥 Hot TechPython
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Project
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
Bentley MicroStation
Microsoft Access
ESRI ArcGIS software
C++
Python
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
MIXED
💪
Physical Demand
VERY HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mixed environments?
- •Can you meet very high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What education is required?
Education Required
Bachelor's degree or higher
Experience Required
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Job Training
Significant preparation with related work experience