Environmental Engineers
Environmental engineers design and implement systems to prevent, control, and remediate environmental hazards across multiple engineering disciplines. They work on projects involving waste treatment, site cleanup, and pollution control at consulting firms, government agencies, manufacturing facilities, and construction companies. The role combines problem-solving with hands-on technical work.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against environmental engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves site assessments, laboratory testing, and computer modeling of contamination patterns. An environmental engineer might visit a former industrial site to collect soil samples, then return to the office to analyze data and draft remediation plans. Other days include meetings with clients and regulatory agencies, reviewing permit requirements, or overseeing construction of treatment systems. The work balances fieldwork with technical analysis and documentation.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to enjoy investigative work—diagnosing problems through data collection and analysis—and realistic, hands-on problem-solving. You're drawn to tangible environmental challenges and prefer applying scientific principles to actual systems rather than purely theoretical work.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- SUPERVISORY INTERDISCIPLINARY LIFE SCIENTIST/ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER/PHYSICAL SCIENTIST · Naval Air Systems Command · Naval Air Station San Diego, California · $121585–$158062
- Life Scientist/Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist · Environmental Protection Agency · Denver, Colorado · $118675–$154280
- Supervisory Environmental Engineer (Deputy Director) · Architect of the Capitol · Washington, District of Columbia · $143913–$187093
- Supervisory Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist · Environmental Protection Agency · Multiple Locations · $131342–$197200
- Supervisory Biologist / Environmental Engineer / Physical Scientist · Environmental Protection Agency · Multiple Locations · $154100–$197200
- ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER (Interdisciplinary) · Air National Guard · Andrews AFB, Maryland · $143913–$187093
- Environmental Engineer · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration · Silver Spring, Maryland · $121785–$187093
- Environmental Engineer · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Vicksburg, Mississippi · $89508–$163514
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $99,490 | $130,510 | $171,630 | 340 |
| California | $95,950 | $130,410 | $148,650 | 4,550 |
| Oregon | $101,220 | $127,100 | $141,930 | 650 |
| Washington | $100,200 | $125,460 | $161,250 | 1,920 |
| Texas | $92,600 | $123,060 | $154,970 | 1,940 |
| Nebraska | $99,420 | $120,620 | $146,770 | 270 |
| Idaho | $104,000 | $117,520 | $151,730 | 400 |
| Florida | $75,570 | $116,840 | $146,960 | 1,800 |
| Massachusetts | $86,370 | $115,800 | $142,130 | 1,880 |
| Minnesota | $107,120 | $115,750 | $129,310 | 1,080 |
| Connecticut | $100,210 | $114,710 | $138,270 | 450 |
| Ohio | $83,590 | $113,180 | $127,330 | 730 |
All 50 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Board Certified Environmental Engineer - Environmental Sustainability — American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
- Board Certified Environmental Engineer - General Environmental Engineering (BCEE) — American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
- Board Certified Environmental Engineer - Hazardous Waste Management (BCEE) — American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
- Board Certified Environmental Engineer - Industrial Hygiene (BCEE) — American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
- Board Certified Environmental Engineer - Radiation Protection (BCEE) — American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
- Board Certified Environmental Engineer - Solid Waste Management (BCEE) — American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against environmental engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2081.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.