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.
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
SOC: 47-4041 O*NET: 47-4041.00
Median Salary
$48,490
per year
Job Growth
📉 1%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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 does a Hazardous Materials Removal Workers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$37,330
10th percentile
Early Career
$42,710
25th percentile
Median
$48,490
50th percentile
Experienced
$62,150
75th percentile
Top Earners
$82,480
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$37,330
25th
$42,710
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$48,490
Mean: $55,740
75th
$62,150
90th
$82,480
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $45,150 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $42,710 and $62,150
- •Salary spread is 40.1% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 50,570 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:51,300
Top Industries
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services82.1%
Waste Management and Remediation Services75.3%
Remediation and Other Waste Management Services61.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1%
Annual Openings:5,000
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)51,300
Current
2034 (Projected)51,800
+1%
+500
Employment Change
+1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Hazardous Materials Removal Workers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
7,950 jobs$54,7401.34x
New York
3,660 jobs$62,6101.17x
Texas
3,260 jobs$45,2200.72x
Washington
2,850 jobs$59,8402.45x
Massachusetts
2,550 jobs$49,1302.13x
Florida
2,300 jobs$38,3200.72x
New Jersey
2,090 jobs$56,0401.50x
Colorado
1,950 jobs$58,7902.06x
Illinois
1,810 jobs$55,6400.91x
Pennsylvania
1,600 jobs$48,8200.81x
Virginia
1,290 jobs$46,0500.97x
Oregon
1,230 jobs$48,7001.91x
North Carolina
1,210 jobs$41,5500.75x
Ohio
1,160 jobs$49,5600.64x
Louisiana
1,020 jobs$37,2801.62x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Monitoring
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Operation and Control
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Operations Monitoring
74%
#6
Reading Comprehension
66%
#7
Speaking
60%
#8
Active Learning
54%
#9
Writing
46%
#10
Judgment and Decision Making
40%
Skills Overview
Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Operation and Control
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate3.7
74%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.3
66%
Speaking
intermediate3.0
60%
Active Learning
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:
Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Writing
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders82%
5 shared skills
Commercial Pilots82%
5 shared skills
Locomotive Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists82%
5 shared skills
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Speaking
- →Reading Comprehension
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Operation and Control
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Operation and Control
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 Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechJenkins CI
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Jenkins CI
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 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
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡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 mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (15)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Planning & Development (2)Operations & Execution (2)
1
Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Record numbers of containers stored at disposal sites, specifying amounts or types of equipment or waste disposed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Drive trucks or other heavy equipment to convey contaminated waste to designated sea or ground locations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Operate machines or equipment to remove, package, store, or transport loads of waste materials.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution91% perform94%
5
Load or unload materials into containers or onto trucks, using hoists or forklifts.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Clean contaminated equipment or areas for reuse, using detergents or solvents, sandblasters, filter pumps, or steam cleaners.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Upload baskets of irradiated elements onto machines that insert fuel elements into canisters and secure lids.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Identify asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Package, store, or move irradiated fuel elements in the underwater storage basins of nuclear reactor plants, using machines or equipment.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.46
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.43
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.42
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.35
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.16
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.11
Complete Work Styles Profile
Cooperation
4.5
Attention to Detail
4.4
Dependability
4.4
Self-Control
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.2
Integrity
4.1
Stress Tolerance
4.1
Concern for Others
4.0
Initiative
3.9
Analytical Thinking
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Hazardous Materials Removal Workers.
Browse Training Programs →