Career Definition for an Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers are a specific kind of engineer who study, evaluate and design solutions to environmental problems. Some areas of the environment they're involved with include water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, global warming, acid rain and ozone depletion. Common job duties of an environmental engineer include consulting with clients, surveying sites, taking measurements, analyzing data and performing quality control checks.
| Education | Bachelor's degree in engineering |
| Job Skills | Strong math and science skills, diligence, and precision |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $96,820 per year |
| Job Growth (2021-2031)* | 4% |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
To become an environmental engineer, you'll need a bachelor's degree in engineering. Coursework in a 4-year, bachelor's program in engineering includes mathematics, physics, calculus, biology, chemistry, general engineering, design and courses specific to engineering specializations. Once you've finished an accredited engineering program, you'll need to meet the requirements and pass any examinations in your state to become licensed as an environmental engineer.
Skills Required
Environmental engineers need to have very strong math and science skills. Diligence and precision will help you to be successful as an environmental engineer.
Employment and Economic Outlook
The employment outlook for environmental engineers is good, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting employment in this field to grow by 4% from 2021-2031. The median annual earnings for environmental engineers in 2021 were $96,820.
Alternate Career Options
Careers that are similar to an environmental engineer include:
Environmental Scientist and Specialist
With at least a bachelor's degree in natural sciences, these professionals work toward protecting the environment by cleaning up pollution, reducing industrial waste and advising policymakers. From 2021-2031, the BLS forecast faster than average employment growth for this field of 5%. The annual median salary revealed by the BLS in 2021 for these scientists and specialists was $76,530.
Environmental Engineering Technician
Faster than average increases in available jobs of 4% for these techs were expected during the 2021-2031 decade, the BLS said. Normally having a 2-year degree in environmental engineering or a similar field, environmental engineering technicians follow the plans made by environmental engineers to test and modify the equipment used for pollution clean-up. In 2021, the BLS reported median wages of $48,390 per year for this profession.
