Environmental Engineer

Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

O*NET definition of Environmental Engineers (SOC 17-2081) · Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed.

Education workers say the job requires

Share of surveyed workers in Environmental Engineers (SOC 17-2081) naming each level as required to be hired, 21 respondents, O*NET survey August 2024. Each employer sets its own minimum.

Environmental engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering or a related field, such as civil, chemical, or general engineering. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have gained practical experience in an internship or a cooperative education program.

From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile “Environmental Engineers”, published August 27, 2026 · Read the full profile. National guidance; each employer runs its own hiring process.

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

State government pay plans

Official pay ranges for the job classes that match Environmental Engineer in 18 state civil-service plans. They cover state employees only, not cities, counties or school districts.

Lowest class minimum to highest class maximum. Hourly rates are converted at 2,080 hours a year, and other rates at the plan's pay periods; the plans publish the exact rates. Classes are matched to this job by title (GovJobsWiki editorial rule).

Sources: 18 official state pay plans, linked in each row.

1. Design, or supervise the design of, systems, processes, or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.4.3
2. Assess the existing or potential environmental impact of land use projects on air, water, or land.4.2
3. Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems.4.2
4. Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment.4.2
5. Develop proposed project objectives and targets and report to management on progress in attaining them.4.2
6. Monitor progress of environmental improvement programs.4.1
7. Prepare, review, or update environmental investigation or recommendation reports.4.0
8. Prepare, maintain, or revise quality assurance documentation or procedures.3.8
9. Provide technical support for environmental remediation or litigation projects, including remediation system design or determination of regulatory applicability.3.8
10. Develop site-specific health and safety protocols, such as spill contingency plans or methods for loading or transporting waste.3.8

The 10 most important of 28 core tasks for Environmental Engineers, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2024.