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Job outlook for waste management engineers in the United States
Are waste management engineer jobs in demand?
Waste management engineer job and salary trends over time
Waste management engineer jobs over time
Waste management engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,695 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,998 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,112 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,109 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,092 | 0.00% |
Average waste management engineer salary over time
Waste management engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,966 | $28.35 | +3.7% |
| 2024 | $56,879 | $27.35 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $56,085 | $26.96 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $55,560 | $26.71 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $54,338 | $26.12 | +0.4% |
Waste management engineer jobs by state
Most common states for waste management engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 175 | 25% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,666 | 20% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 196 | 20% |
| 4 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 577 | 19% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,169 | 17% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 667 | 16% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 115 | 15% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 91 | 15% |
| 9 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,053 | 14% |
| 10 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 840 | 14% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 758 | 14% |
| 12 | Alaska | 739,795 | 102 | 14% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,574 | 12% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 693 | 12% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 233 | 12% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 4,430 | 11% |
| 17 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,141 | 11% |
| 18 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 750 | 11% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 383 | 11% |
| 20 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 154 | 11% |
Waste Management Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of waste management engineer experts
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
University of Houston
Lawrence University
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
Montana State University - Bozeman
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University
University of Delaware
Rutgers, The State University
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Howard University
What Waste Management 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.
What general advice would you give to a Waste Management 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 will help Waste Management 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.
What general advice would you give to a Waste Management Engineer?
Marcia Bjornerud: Be open to taking short-term jobs for a few years to get a sense of the range of career opportunities in environmental sciences and which match your skills and temperament best. Think creatively about how your interdisciplinary training in environmental sciences can be applied even in fields that are not obviously 'environmental' - e.g. city/regional government, transportation, healthcare, etc. All human activities are embedded within and dependent on the natural environment. Also, the habit of 'systems thinking' that is central to environmental science can be applied to complex human systems.
What will help Waste Management Engineers increase their earning potential?
Marcia Bjornerud: Capacity to apply concepts from chemistry, biology and geosciences to 'wicked' (complex, entangled) environmental problems. Familiarity with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software. Knowledge of statistical methods for analyzing large data sets. Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to the public.
Dr. Karen Knee (she/her)
Associate Professor and Department ChairAmerican University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to a Waste Management Engineer?
Dr. Karen Knee (she/her): Honestly, I don't think most people get into Environmental Science with the goal of maximizing their salary potential. Nor do I think this field is the best choice if that's your top concern. I think it's important to take stock of your financial goals (for example, saving for retirement, buying a house, being able to travel), put together a realistic budget (perhaps with the help of a financial advisor), and see what income you need. Then you can look for jobs in that range. It's important to realize that budgeting, saving, investing and avoiding needless spending are just as important to financial health as maximizing your salary.
What will help Waste Management Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Karen Knee (she/her): Computer skills (coding, data science, software design) as well as very human skills that can't be replicated by AI.
What Waste Management 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 will help Waste Management 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 a Waste Management 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 Waste Management Engineers increase their earning potential?
Geno Picchioni: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES. COMMUNITY BUILDING.
What Waste Management 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.
Bryan Gentry
Director of CommunicationsUniversity of South Carolina - Columbia
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to a Waste Management 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 general advice would you give to a Waste Management 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.
What Waste Management 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.
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 a Waste Management 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 Waste Management 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.
What soft skills should all Waste Management Engineers possess?
Will Pluer Ph.D.: Within the job, time management is probably the most important. An employer will be impressed if you're finishing work before your deadlines. To get the job in the first place, professionalism is very important. Submit a clean and attractive resume with your application and then show up to an interview dressed for the job.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Waste Management Engineers?
Will Pluer Ph.D.: Software skills are useful entering a new job. You may need to learn new software for the company, but it will be much easier once you know the basics of how coding, design, and spreadsheet programs work. These skills are also broadly applicable whether you seek a job in consulting, government, research, etc.
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorTarleton State University
Department of Mechanical, Environmental and Civil Engineering
What hard/technical skills are most important for Waste Management 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.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Waste Management 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.
What skills stand out on Waste Management Engineer resumes?
Dr. Alan Dyer Ph.D.: For our graduates, the hottest subjects are those involving GIS/GPS and remote sensing. Global information systems are powerful tools for improving input efficiencies and, combined with small sensing systems, allow growers to manage an ever-expanding and complex industry.
Michele Serrano
Recruiter and Program CoordinatorNorth Carolina State University
Department of Forest Biomaterials
What general advice would you give to a Waste Management Engineer?
Michele Serrano: General advice (straight from one of our valued employers - Mohawk Industries) for graduates beginning their career:
Your first job might not be your DREAM career, but more of a stepping stone. With each assignment, you are stacking skills and honing precisely what you like and dislike. So every opportunity is meaningful, in some way. We also advise that it's essential to find a good boss or mentor, even more than a "good" company.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Waste Management 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.
Jack Puleo Ph.D.
Professor and ChairUniversity of Delaware
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
What are the best companies to work for a Waste Management Engineer?
Jack Puleo Ph.D.: Best can be arbitrary. Overall, the job market seems strong with positions in oil companies, government, and the engineering industry.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Waste Management Engineers in the next 5 years?
Jack Puleo Ph.D.: I believe there will be an increase.
Frank Gallagher Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Professional Practice Director, Environmental Planning ProgramRutgers, The State University
Department of Landscape Architecture
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Waste Management Engineers?
Frank Gallagher Ph.D.: Like most things, there will be positive and negative effects. On the negative side, the pandemic is deepening the inequity in wealth distribution, exasperating both the financial divide and adding to social equity issues. On the positive side, it appears that working remotely will be accepted more, reducing the amount of daily travel, and hence fuel used, decreasing green-house gas loading rates.
How do you envision technology impacting Waste Management Engineers in the next 5 years?
Frank Gallagher Ph.D.: The ability to integrate information from various disciplines at greater resolutions will lead to more effective planning and innovative design.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Waste Management Engineers to find work opportunities?
Frank Gallagher Ph.D.: Unfortunately, it is not a good time to be in the job market. However, as today's students have greater IT skills, and remote work has increased, perhaps the location will not be as important.
What general advice would you give to a Waste Management Engineer?
Neal O'Reilly Ph.D.: The long-term impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates in the conservation science field are generally unknown. However, I hope that they will be short-lived, not long-term. Once the pandemic is under control, I hope things regarding job opportunities will improve. There is no shortage of environmental problems that need to be addressed. Past generations have disturbed the world enough to create job opportunities for several generations. Perhaps, larger than the pandemic's short-term impact on public health, will be the impact it will have on the economy, and will there be enough financial resources to fund natural resource management efforts in the future. Short-term, federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Agricultural and U.S. Department of Interior, have received money for conservation for the next few years, and this will open up job opportunities. A bigger question will be answered by this fall's elections and will the White House and Congress continue to support environmental protection and restoration efforts.
What Waste Management Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Neal O'Reilly Ph.D.: Within the federal government agencies, like the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Forestry Service, National Parks, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey, and many state agencies such as the state's Departments of Natural Resources, there are many people of retirement age that will be leaving in the next few years. These retirements will open a lot of opportunities for qualified graduates. I believe that jobs will be available in all regions of the country. The key will be for graduates to build their resume, through internships and volunteer opportunities, to show they have the skills for these positions.
Charles Ichoku Ph.D.
Professor of Earth and Environmental SciencesHoward University
Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Waste Management Engineers?
Charles Ichoku Ph.D.: The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way we all live and carry out our professional activities. However, thus far, American professionals are demonstrating admirable ability to adapt to performing work virtually, though not without some challenges. Students are also adapting to attending classes virtually and even conducting some research activities and internships similarly. It is certainly desirable for the pandemic to be contained in an order that we can remain healthy and return to normal work conditions.
In any event, Environmental and Atmospheric Scientists and Meteorologists will always be needed irrespective of the pandemic, because our environment still needs to be monitored and cared for, and our knowledge of the climate and weather patterns and their changes still need to be improved, and forecasts of hazardous events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and other such events still need to be improved, so as to improve our ability to mitigate their impacts on society and build resilience.
How do you envision technology impacting Waste Management Engineers in the next 5 years?
Charles Ichoku Ph.D.: Technology is impacting the field of environmental and atmospheric sciences in positive ways. For instance, it is because of technology that many of us are able to work remotely under these challenging times of COVID-19 restrictions. Also, we are able to conduct research in previously inaccessible areas using remotely piloted vehicles in the air, ground, and ocean. This capability has enabled us to make many discoveries in this field over the last decade or so.
The positive impact of technology in our field is expected to grow in the next five years and beyond. For instance, having accumulated tremendous amounts of earth observation datasets over the last couple of decades, particularly from satellite remote sensing, current advancements in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) are likely to help in retrieving knowledge from these large datasets faster, thereby enabling us to make even more advances in this field in the coming years.