Environmental Engineer: Job Description, Examples, and Education Requirements
Environmental engineers are professionals who use their expertise in engineering, science, and environmental regulations to develop solutions to environmental problems. They design, plan, and manage projects aimed at minimizing the negative impact of human activities on the environment. This occupation plays an essential role in ensuring that people have access to a clean and healthy environment.
Examples of Environmental Engineering Jobs
Environmental engineers work in a range of industries, including consulting firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Some examples of jobs they may hold include:
- Water resource management
- Air pollution control
- Waste management and recycling
- Sustainability consulting
- Environmental compliance auditing
- Remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater
Education and Training
To become an environmental engineer, you typically need a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering or a related field. Some employers may require a Master’s degree or a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Relevant coursework includes chemistry, environmental science, fluid mechanics, and soil mechanics. Additional training in specialized areas such as air pollution modeling or hazardous waste removal may also be necessary.
Career Progression
Environmental engineers typically begin their careers in entry-level positions, such as a staff engineer, environmental technician, or research assistant. As they gain experience, they may receive more responsibilities and start managing projects or a team. Advancement opportunities may include becoming a project manager, senior environmental engineer, or a lead consultant.
Getting Started in Environmental Engineering
If you’re interested in becoming an environmental engineer, there are several ways to get started. Consider taking courses in environmental science or engineering as an undergraduate student. You may also want to seek out internships or co-op opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the field. Networking with professionals in the industry and joining a professional organization such as the American Society of Environmental Engineers can also help open doors to job opportunities.
Environmental engineers play an important role in designing and implementing solutions to environmental problems. This occupation involves working with government agencies, private companies, and communities to develop plans and strategies for reducing pollution and conserving natural resources. Environmental engineers work in various industries such as energy, transportation, water supply, food processing, and manufacturing.
The salary data for environmental engineers varies based on their level of experience, job level, and union status. According to the US National Average, environmental engineers at Level 09 earn an average annual salary of $83,782.40, while those at Level 12 earn $169,457.60. The salary for environmental engineers who are not able to be leveled is $118,809.60.
For entry-level environmental engineers, the average annual salary is $82,867.20, and for experienced environmental engineers, the average annual salary is $111,300.80. The salary for full-time environmental engineers at all levels is $100,609.60, while those who are time-based pay earn an average annual salary of $101,088.00.
The union status of environmental engineers also affects their salary. Unionized environmental engineers earn an average annual salary of $108,097.60, while non-unionized environmental engineers earn $100,006.40.
Environmental engineering is a well-paying field, and the salaries can vary based on geography. According to the data, environmental engineers in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $95,534.40. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is the least-paid geography, with non-unionized environmental engineers earning an average annual salary of $85,030.40.
Overall, environmental engineering is a lucrative occupation that plays an essential role in the sustainability of the environment. The union status of environmental engineers can affect their salary, and the geography can also play an important role in determining their earning potential.
Data Table:
| Occupation | Level | Salary (Average Annual) |
| Environmental engineers | Level 09 | $83,782.40 |
| Environmental engineers | Level 12 | $169,457.60 |
| Environmental engineers | Not able to be leveled | $118,809.60 |
| Environmental engineers | Entry | $82,867.20 |
| Environmental engineers | Experienced | $111,300.80 |
| Environmental engineers | Union (All levels) | $108,097.60 |
| Environmental engineers | Nonunion (All levels) | $100,006.40 |
| Environmental engineers | Full-time (All levels) | $100,609.60 |
| Environmental engineers | Full-time (Level 09) | $82,908.80 |
| Environmental engineers | Full-time (Not able to be leveled) | $118,310.40 |
| Environmental engineers | Full-time (Entry) | $82,638.40 |
| Environmental engineers | Full-time (Experienced) | $110,448.00 |
| Environmental engineers | Time-based pay (All levels) | $101,088.00 |
| Environmental engineers (North Carolina) | Time-based pay (All levels) | $95,534.40 |
| Environmental engineers (Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC) | Nonunion (All levels) | $85,030.40 |
