Hazardous materials removal workers
SOC Code: 47-4041Also known as:
Abatement Worker, Asbestos Abatement Worker, Asbestos Coverer, Asbestos Handler, Asbestos Hazard Abatement Worker
Median Annual Salary
$48,490
+1.0% growth (2024-2034)
5K
Openings/Year
51K
Current Jobs
What Hazardous materials removal workers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$48,490
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.0%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
5K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
51,300
Projected Employment (2034)
51,800
Related Careers
Highway maintenance workers
$49,070 •
+3.0% growth
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners
$49,140 •
+7.6% growth
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
$58,260 •
-6.5% growth
Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand
$38,940 •
+1.5% growth
Refuse and recyclable material collectors
$48,350 •
+0.9% growth
Top Skills Required
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Operation and Control
Active Listening
Operations Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work.
- Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.
- Identify asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices.
- Prepare hazardous material for removal or storage.
- Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.
- Load or unload materials into containers or onto trucks, using hoists or forklifts.
- Clean contaminated equipment or areas for reuse, using detergents or solvents, sandblasters, filter pumps, or steam cleaners.
- Remove or limit contamination following emergencies involving hazardous substances.
- Clean mold-contaminated sites by removing damaged porous materials or thoroughly cleaning all contaminated nonporous materials.
- Operate machines or equipment to remove, package, store, or transport loads of waste materials.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Hazardous materials removal workers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a hazardous materials removal workers:
Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology/Technician
130 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Hazardous materials removal workers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become hazardous materials removal workers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indiana University-Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | 1 | B |
| 2 | De Anza College | Cupertino, CA | 11 | C+ |
| 3 | Mt San Antonio College | Walnut, CA | 1 | C+ |
| 4 | Allan Hancock College | Santa Maria, CA | 50 | C |
| 5 | Woodland Community College | Woodland, CA | 14 | C |
| 6 | Cuyamaca College | El Cajon, CA | 13 | C |
| 7 | Rio Hondo College | Whittier, CA | 11 | C |
| 8 | Sacramento City College | Sacramento, CA | 9 | C |
| 9 | Santa Monica College | Santa Monica, CA | 7 | C |
| 10 | Barton County Community College | Great Bend, KS | 4 | C |
| 11 | Southwestern College | Chula Vista, CA | 3 | C |
| 12 | Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, IN | 3 | C |
| 13 | Irvine Valley College | Irvine, CA | 2 | C |
| 14 | Santiago Canyon College | Orange, CA | 1 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do hazardous materials removal workers make?
The median annual salary for hazardous materials removal workers is $48,490.
What education do hazardous materials removal workers need?
Most hazardous materials removal workers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology/Technician.
Is becoming hazardous materials removal workers a good career choice?
Hazardous materials removal workers is projected to see +1.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 5,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for hazardous materials removal workers?
Top colleges for aspiring hazardous materials removal workers include
Indiana University-Bloomington, De Anza College, Mt San Antonio College, Allan Hancock College, Woodland Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to hazardous materials removal workers?
Hazardous materials removal workers may also be known as: Abatement Worker, Asbestos Abatement Worker, Asbestos Coverer, Asbestos Handler, Asbestos Hazard Abatement Worker, Asbestos Remover, Asbestos Technician, Asbestos Worker, Decontamination and Decommissioning Operator (D and D Operator), Decontamination Worker, Disaster Restoration Technician, Hazard Waste Handler, Hazardous Material Specialist, Hazardous Materials Driver (Hazmat Driver), Hazardous Materials Handler, Hazardous Materials Specialist, Hazardous Materials Tanker Driver (Hazmat Tanker Driver), Hazardous Waste Disposer, Hazardous Waste Remover, Hazardous Waste Specialist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.