Career Opportunities in Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering is a rapidly growing field that offers a wide range of career opportunities. Environmental engineers work to protect the environment and public health by designing, constructing, and operating systems that control pollution and improve the quality of air, water, and soil.
Types of Environmental Engineering Jobs
There are many different types of environmental engineering jobs, including:
- Air quality engineers design and operate systems that control air pollution from industrial facilities, power plants, and vehicles.
- Water quality engineers design and operate systems that treat wastewater from municipal and industrial facilities, and protect water resources from contamination.
- Soil engineers design and operate systems that control soil erosion and contamination, and restore damaged soils.
- Waste management engineers design and operate systems that collect, transport, and dispose of solid and hazardous waste.
- Environmental health engineers work to protect public health by identifying and controlling environmental hazards, such as pollution, radiation, and noise.
Education and Training
Most environmental engineers have a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or a related field. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or doctorate. Environmental engineers must also be licensed in most states.
In addition to their formal education, environmental engineers must also have a strong understanding of the following:
- Science, including chemistry, biology, and physics
- Engineering, including fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science
- Mathematics, including calculus, statistics, and linear algebra
- Environmental regulations
Job Outlook
The job outlook for environmental engineers is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of environmental engineering jobs will grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
There are several factors that are driving the demand for environmental engineers, including:
- Increasing environmental regulations
- Growing public awareness of environmental issues
- Climate change
Salary
The median annual salary for environmental engineers was $92,950 in May 2020. The lowest 10% of earners made less than $56,180, and the highest 10% of earners made more than $138,410.
Salaries for environmental engineers can vary depending on their experience, education, and location.
Conclusion
Environmental engineering is a rewarding career that offers a wide range of opportunities to make a positive impact on the environment and public health. If you are interested in a career in environmental engineering, there are many resources available to help you get started.
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