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Job outlook for environmental remediation engineers in the United States
Are environmental remediation engineer jobs in demand?
Environmental remediation engineer job and salary trends over time
Environmental remediation engineer jobs over time
Environmental remediation engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 109 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 129 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 136 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 136 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 135 | 0.00% |
Average environmental remediation engineer salary over time
Environmental remediation engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $67,351 | $32.38 | +3.7% |
| 2024 | $64,968 | $31.23 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $64,061 | $30.80 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $63,462 | $30.51 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $62,065 | $29.84 | +0.4% |
Environmental remediation engineer jobs by state
Most common states for environmental remediation engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 223 | 32% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 754 | 9% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 69 | 9% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 522 | 8% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 73 | 8% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 532 | 7% |
| 7 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 424 | 7% |
| 8 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 90 | 7% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 52 | 7% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 316 | 6% |
| 11 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 110 | 6% |
| 12 | Vermont | 623,657 | 36 | 6% |
| 13 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,089 | 5% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 285 | 5% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 266 | 5% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 214 | 5% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 193 | 5% |
| 18 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 163 | 5% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 69 | 5% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 27 | 5% |
Most common cities for environmental remediation engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelmsford | 1 | 3% | $38,943 |
| 2 | Merritt Island | 1 | 3% | $41,034 |
| 3 | Bowling Green | 1 | 2% | $50,865 |
| 4 | Bismarck | 1 | 1% | $47,446 |
| 5 | Grand Rapids | 1 | 1% | $57,314 |
| 6 | Lakewood | 1 | 1% | $68,207 |
| 7 | Overland Park | 1 | 1% | $50,507 |
| 8 | Pasadena | 1 | 1% | $101,941 |
| 9 | Roseville | 1 | 1% | $112,291 |
| 10 | Salt Lake City | 1 | 1% | $59,601 |
| 11 | Oakland | 2 | 0% | $114,661 |
| 12 | San Francisco | 2 | 0% | $114,936 |
| 13 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $57,783 |
| 14 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $67,828 |
| 15 | Portland | 1 | 0% | $87,652 |
| 16 | San Jose | 1 | 0% | $114,149 |
| 17 | Seattle | 1 | 0% | $78,532 |
Environmental Remediation Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of environmental remediation engineer experts
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
University of Rhode Island
University of Houston
American University
University of New Hampshire
Washington State University
New Mexico State University
Utah State University
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Elon University
Tarleton State University
Kennesaw State University
Auburn University-Montgomery
Montana State University - Bozeman
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Remediation Engineer?
Virginia Charter PhD, PE, FSFPE: Our degree allows students to obtain their GSP as well as sit for a number of certification exams, like the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. Having these credentials may set them apart from others as well as boost their salary potential from the start.
What Environmental Remediation Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Virginia Charter PhD, PE, FSFPE: Employers are looking for a well-rounded engineer or specialist. They want to see individuals that have the technical area knowledge and also the capability to communicate, work on a team, problem solve, and project manage.
Stentor Danielson
Associate ProfessorSlippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Remediation Engineer?
Stentor Danielson: Remember that if a company is advertising a job, that means they need you (and your skills and energy and talents) as much as you need them, so don't be afraid to ask for what you're worth. Talk to other people in similar roles (at your company and elsewhere) to make sure you're not getting a raw deal.
What Environmental Remediation Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stentor Danielson: Technical skills (e.g. GIS) are always important, but I think students often overlook the importance of social skills – joining or leading a team, managing a project, communicating information effectively, community outreach, respecting diversity among coworkers and clients (I'm a big advocate of learning a second language). Good social skills will make your work more effective and open up new opportunities.
What will help Environmental Remediation Engineers increase their earning potential?
Stentor Danielson: Environmental jobs can be some of the most important and rewarding ones out there as our society goes through this crucial moment of transition to a more sustainable future. We need people with all different skill sets and interests to make it happen.
Simona Trandafir
Associate Professor & Undergraduate Program DirectorUniversity of Rhode Island
Environmental/Natural Resources Management And Policy
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Remediation Engineer?
Simona Trandafir: I recommend focusing on sectors and roles where the demand for environmental expertise is growing, such as sustainable energy, environmental consulting, and governmental agencies. Gaining certifications in various fields such as environmental impact assessment, energy management and sustainability reporting can be beneficial. Also, consider roles that involve economic analysis of environmental policies or management of natural resources, as these tend to offer higher compensation due to their specialized nature. Building a strong professional network and pursuing opportunities in larger, economically diverse cities or regions can also lead to higher salary prospects.
What Environmental Remediation Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Simona Trandafir: In the next few years, there may be a growing emphasis on skills related to data analysis and modeling due to the increasing availability of environmental data. Proficiency in tools for spatial analysis and environmental simulation software will be highly desirable. Additionally, skills in sustainability reporting and green finance will become more prevalent as businesses and governments will focus more on sustainable practices and investments. Also, effective communication skills, particularly in translating complex ecological and economic data to various stakeholders, will remain desirable.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Remediation Engineer?
Scott Rowland: If I knew that... I think collecting images with drones and processing drone data (including Lidar) will become more important. In Hawai‘i, knowledge of hydrology and coastal processes will /remain/ important.
What will help Environmental Remediation Engineers increase their earning potential?
Scott Rowland: (in no particular order) Be willing to learn new skills on the job, and make sure to /not /say you can do something that you actually cannot do. Be willing to take jobs that involve travel or working overtime. Turn reports in on time, better yet before on time. If you know/see that a colleague is having trouble with a task, ask if they would like a hand and if they say no, leave it at that. Listen more than you speak. Get to work (including job sites) on time with all the proper tools, supplies, and PPE. /Wear/ your PPE, even if others aren't.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Remediation Engineer?
Dr. Mim Rahimi Ph.D.: To maximize your salary potential, focus on developing specialized skills that are in high demand but low supply within the field, such as expertise in renewable energy systems or advanced waste treatment technologies. Gaining certifications relevant to these areas can also be beneficial. Furthermore, demonstrating your impact through quantifiable achievements and taking initiative in key projects can position you for promotions and higher salary opportunities.
What Environmental Remediation Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mim Rahimi Ph.D.: As you progress with your career in environmental engineering, my primary advice is to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. The field is dynamic, with regulations and technologies evolving rapidly. Stay informed about industry trends, engage in professional development opportunities, and cultivate a network of peers and mentors. This proactive approach enriches your understanding and enhances your ability to contribute effectively to your workplace and community.
What will help Environmental Remediation Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mim Rahimi Ph.D.: In the next 3-5 years, skills in data analysis and technological proficiency, particularly in areas like GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and environmental modeling software, will become important. Additionally, soft skills such as effective communication and project management will be essential as projects often involve multidisciplinary teams and require the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.
Dr. Karen Knee (she/her)
Associate Professor and Department ChairAmerican University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What Environmental Remediation Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Karen Knee (she/her): Think about your strengths, interests, and goals, and then evaluate the options available to you. No job is going to be perfect, especially right out of college. You want something that will meet your financial needs and provide you with an opportunity to grow and gain experience so you can be competitive for other opportunities down the line that may be an even better fit.
What Environmental Remediation Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. James Malley Jr: Some of this is market driven by the type of employer (public versus private), the location of the job (major metropolitan area versus a more rural or smaller city), etc. In the foreseeable future due to Environmental Engineering becoming popular around 1970 there are many people approaching retirement age (“the silver tsunami”) so jobs will likely be plentiful which will help. So, to maximize starting salaries you will want to do your homework and study the different employers, regions, etc. to see what salary ranges are realistic. Then pursue the opportunities that have the higher starting salaries if that is your priority (clearly an Environmental Engineer working for a major industry such as gas and oil will have a higher starting salary offer than one working for municipal governments) and also carefully interview the firms when they invite you to interview to find out how they handle things like overtime, bonuses, salary review frequency, etc.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Remediation Engineer?
Holly Henning: In the next 3-5 years, more students will be involved in quantifying the environmental impacts of agricultural practices in response to new regulations and ongoing producer and consumer interest in environmental practices. Students will continue to need strong communication skills to explain those practices to various stakeholders and engage in innovative partnerships with suppliers, by region and industry.
What will help Environmental Remediation Engineers increase their earning potential?
Holly Henning: To maximize salary potential, an employee needs to first demonstrate a strong work ethic, a desire to learn and the ability to work on diverse teams. Employees that demonstrate their ability to contribute their unique expertise to a multi-disciplinary team are more likely to be involved with other learning opportunities. We encourage employees to continue their education by being involved in associations, working with our extension and research programs and field days and exploring ways to build their network and opportunities. In some careers, the ability to proactively represent an employer on social media and help others to see how great it is to work for their company can help them into higher paying positions.
Geno Picchioni
ProfessorNew Mexico State University
Applied Horticulture And Horticultural Business Services
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Remediation Engineer?
Geno Picchioni: BE TRAINABLE, OPEN-MINDED, AND APPROACHABLE. REMEMBER WHAT GOT YOU HERE: HARD WORK, PERSEVERANCE, DEDICATION, COLLEGIALITY. HONOR YOUR SUPPORT FAMILY.
What will help Environmental Remediation Engineers increase their earning potential?
Geno Picchioni: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES. COMMUNITY BUILDING.
What Environmental Remediation Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniella Hirschfeld PhD: Humanity today faces tremendous environmental challenges - chemicals in our water and air are causing major health problems, climate change is leading to increased disaster events, and biodiversity loss is at an all time high. Being an environmental designer allows people to address these challenges head on. It also gives people a chance to make other people's lives more livable, healthier, and happier.
What will help Environmental Remediation Engineers increase their earning potential?
Daniella Hirschfeld PhD: Environmental designers work at the intersection of natural processes and human systems. One key part of that job is to bring natural systems into cities and neighborhoods. For example, an environmental designer would be the on in charge of street trees for a city. Another key part of environmental design is making sure that natural processes such as flooding does not negatively impact people. This involves understanding how a river flows and what areas are dangerous for development. Enviornmental designers also need to ensure that when people build cities, homes, or infrastructure they do not negatively impact natural areas. This often involves designing stormwater infrastructure. Environmental design is a highly interdisciplinary area of work and requires collaboration with many other professionals. Environmental designers will often work with urban planners, architects, landscape architects, transportation planners, civil engineers, etc. Ultimately they stive to design and implements solutions that enhance the quality of a space for people while having minimal impacts on ecosystems.
Bryan Gentry
Director of CommunicationsUniversity of South Carolina - Columbia
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Remediation Engineer?
Bryan Gentry: We've found we get better responses over email than the phone because it gives you some time to think about it.
What will help Environmental Remediation Engineers increase their earning potential?
Bryan Gentry: My colleague Bryan Gentry can possibly connect you with someone in USC’s College of Arts and Sciences.
What Environmental Remediation Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Carol Boggs PhD: Human impacts on the environment are continuing to increase. The demand for professionals to mitigate the effects of climate change and land use impacts will continue to increase in response.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Remediation Engineer?
Carol Boggs PhD: Environmental engineers may be involved in designing or evaluating waste water systems. These can include urban waste water treatment systems, or managing run-off, flooding, coastal sea water incursions, etc. Environmental engineers may also work on landscape restoration projects, designing plans to adjust water flow through an ecosystem. Daily work may include both on-site field evaluations and office work.
Reza Khanbilvardi Ph.D.
NOAA Chair Professor pf Civil and Environmental Engineering, Director of Earth System and Environmental Engineering at CUNY City CollegeWhat general advice would you give to an Environmental Remediation Engineer?
Reza Khanbilvardi Ph.D.: Graduates entering today job market have to recognize ( and in fact expect) that the degree that they have earned has only prepared them for the job market at a very basic /fundamental level. Most of the actual learning comes in the job and they have to be ready and eager to learn new tools and skills. They should learn how to work as a team and be very positively engaged with every one in their job.
Will Pluer Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of EngineeringElon University
Physics & Engineering Department
What skills stand out on Environmental Remediation Engineer resumes?
Will Pluer Ph.D.: Sampling, modeling, and/or designing skills indicate that you know how to apply what you've learned in the classroom to real work situations. Technical writing skills are also broadly applicable.
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorTarleton State University
Department of Mechanical, Environmental and Civil Engineering
What skills stand out on Environmental Remediation Engineer resumes?
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.: As far as the skills are concerned, the most striking would be proficiency with programs such as AutoCAD and ArcGIS as well as with technical report-writing or preparation. There are numerous industry-standard programs that are discipline-specific, such as HEC-HMS for hydrologic modeling; familiarity with these programs can make resumes stand out. Other items on the resume, such as assuming leadership roles in student and professional societies, internships with government or private organizations, and having passed the FE exam, are also attractive to recruiters.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Environmental Remediation Engineers?
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.: Familiarity with relevant regional, state, and federal regulations and compliance measures is critical for environmental engineers. Knowledge of environmental site assessments and remediation programs is a useful technical skill as well. On the project management side, skills such as preparing cost estimates and permit applications are important. Whereas earlier, many consulting firms would hire draftspersons to prepare design drawings and specifications, it is expected that the engineers perform these tasks these days - therefore, experience and proficiency with programs such as AutoCAD or Microstation or Civil 3D, and ArcGIS is imperative.
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Environmental ScienceKennesaw State University
Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
What soft skills should all Environmental Remediation Engineers possess?
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.: When it comes to job opportunities, the ability to successfully work in groups is really important. Students should talk about group projects that they've worked on, how they contributed to the overall project, and how they managed that group dynamic. If there was some sort of conflict in the group, such as a member who wasn't pulling their weight or someone who wasn't communicating effectively, being able to describe how they dealt with that problem and overcame it would really demonstrate to a potential employer that they are ready to be an effective part of a team. Writing is also really important. Students should be ready to submit a writing sample that demonstrates their ability to write well. And being able to use proper grammar and spelling is just the beginning. Preferably they should submit something long enough to show that they can put together a cohesive narrative that makes a persuasive argument like a term paper.
Dr. Chelsea Ward
ProfessorAuburn University-Montgomery
Department of Biology and Environmental Science Advising
What will help Environmental Remediation Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Chelsea Ward: Science has always been a field that values post-graduate education. I don't see that changing. However, I anticipate that biologists with undergraduate degrees and broader skill sets will do better. Those with GIS or computer programming skills will be in a much better place to find positions in their field that are satisfying than those that are only trained in traditional bench skills.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Environmental Remediation Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Alan Dyer Ph.D.: For our graduates, the pandemic is affecting those entering the crop consulting market. Usually, this a very social job, and with the pandemic social distancing is having a significant but not overwhelming impact. Our Crop Science program at MSU usually is very integrated with ag industries, and these connections are taking a real blow during the pandemic. Hopefully, when things calm down, these programs will flourish once again.
Michele Serrano
Recruiter and Program CoordinatorNorth Carolina State University
Department of Forest Biomaterials
How would you rate the starting salaries for Environmental Remediation Engineers, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Michele Serrano: We do not currently, strategically, collect salary data for our Sustainable Materials & Technology (Wood Products) graduates. However, anecdotal data says that our graduates are hired in a range from $45,000 (materials testing) up to $95,000 (green energy investment analysts).
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Environmental Remediation Engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Frederik Laleicke Ph.D.: Natural and sustainable materials play an essential role in creating modern, human-centered environments and will be of increasing importance in the future. Over the past decades, industrial processes have been improved to produce high performing and reliable products from natural resources. The challenges lie in preserving the natural variability that makes biomaterials, such as wood, appealing, and staying within standards, safety margins, and product specifications. The advanced technology employed will require fewer, but more knowledgeable, workers and managers that understand the capabilities and limitations of the produced technical processes and products.
An excellent example of where these challenges have been solved using modern technologies is mass timber. Large wooden panels are premanufactured in semi-automated processes, and CNC technology cuts each of them to an exact fit. Relatively new in the U.S., mass timber engineering, manufacturing, and use are currently being fine-tuned to meet the requirements of growing markets. In future years, the design-for-disassembly will move into focus when end-of-life considerations for wood-based construction draw more attention.
These developments offer numerous opportunities for employees with diverse skillsets, such as engineers, technologists, analysts, and marketing/business experts. However, they all have in common an in-depth understanding of sustainability concepts and a sense of environmental responsibility. Whatever the specialty of our graduates, they will match one of many different roles in the economy of sustainable materials.