Environmental engineers
SOC Code: 17-2081Also known as:
Air Pollution Control Engineer, Air Quality Engineer, Civil Engineer, Coastal Engineer, Engineer
Median Annual Salary
$104,170
+3.9% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
39K
Current Jobs
What Environmental engineers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$104,170
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.9%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
39,400
Projected Employment (2034)
41,000
Related Careers
Managers, all other
$136,550 •
+4.5% growth
Compliance officers
$78,420 •
+3.0% growth
Civil engineers
$99,590 •
+5.0% growth
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians
$58,890 •
+1.2% growth
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
$80,060 •
+4.4% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Design, or supervise the design of, systems, processes, or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.
- Assess the existing or potential environmental impact of land use projects on air, water, or land.
- Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems.
- Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment.
- Develop proposed project objectives and targets and report to management on progress in attaining them.
- Monitor progress of environmental improvement programs.
- Prepare, review, or update environmental investigation or recommendation reports.
- Prepare, maintain, or revise quality assurance documentation or procedures.
- Develop site-specific health and safety protocols, such as spill contingency plans or methods for loading or transporting waste.
- Provide technical support for environmental remediation or litigation projects, including remediation system design or determination of regulatory applicability.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Environmental engineers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a environmental engineers:
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
2,844 degrees awarded •
157 colleges offer this program
Water Resources Engineering
53 degrees awarded •
12 colleges offer this program
Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
21 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Environmental engineers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become environmental engineers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental engineers make?
The median annual salary for environmental engineers is $104,170.
What education do environmental engineers need?
Most environmental engineers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering.
Is becoming environmental engineers a good career choice?
Environmental engineers is projected to see +3.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 3,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for environmental engineers?
Top colleges for aspiring environmental engineers include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Columbia University in the City of New York, University of Florida, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, Johns Hopkins University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to environmental engineers?
Environmental engineers may also be known as: Air Pollution Control Engineer, Air Quality Engineer, Civil Engineer, Coastal Engineer, Engineer, Engineering Consultant, Environmental Analyst, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Coordinator, Environmental Designer, Environmental Engineer, Environmental Engineering Intern, Environmental Planner, Environmental Project Engineer, Environmental Project Manager, Environmental Remediation Engineer, Environmental Remediation Specialist, Environmental Safety Specialist, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Systems Coordinator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.