Environmental Engineering Career Prospects

Environmental engineering is a rapidly growing field that offers a wide range of career opportunities. Environmental engineers work to protect the environment by designing and implementing solutions to environmental problems. They may work in government, industry, or consulting.

Environmental Engineers in Government

Environmental engineers in government work for agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Natural Resources. They develop and enforce environmental regulations, monitor environmental quality, and conduct research.

Here are some of the specific job titles that environmental engineers in government may hold:

Environmental protection specialist
Environmental scientist
Water quality engineer
Air quality engineer
Waste management engineer

Environmental Engineers in Industry

Environmental engineers in industry work for companies that produce or use materials or products that have an impact on the environment. They design and implement pollution control systems, conduct environmental audits, and develop environmental management plans.

Here are some of the specific job titles that environmental engineers in industry may hold:

Environmental manager
Environmental engineer
Pollution control engineer
Environmental consultant
Sustainability engineer

Environmental Engineers in Consulting

Environmental engineers in consulting work for companies that provide environmental consulting services to government agencies and businesses. They conduct environmental assessments, develop environmental management plans, and design and implement pollution control systems.

Here are some of the specific job titles that environmental engineers in consulting may hold:

Environmental consultant
Environmental engineer
Pollution control engineer
Sustainability consultant
Risk assessment consultant

Job Outlook

The job outlook for environmental engineers is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of environmental engineering jobs will grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for environmental protection and sustainability.

Environmental engineers with experience in renewable energy and sustainability are in particularly high demand. These engineers are needed to design and implement solutions to climate change and other environmental challenges.

Salary

The median annual salary for environmental engineers was $91,010 in May 2020. The top 10% of earners made more than $134,250, while the bottom 10% earned less than $53,240.

The salary for environmental engineers can vary depending on their experience, education, and location. Environmental engineers in government and industry typically earn higher salaries than those in consulting.

Education

To become an environmental engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or doctorate.

Environmental engineering programs typically include coursework in math, science, engineering, and environmental science. Students also learn about environmental regulations and how to design and implement solutions to environmental problems.

Certifications

There are a number of professional certifications that environmental engineers can earn to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Some of the most popular certifications include:

Professional Engineer (PE) license
Certified Environmental Manager (CEM)
Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
Certified Air Quality Manager (CAQM)
Certified Water Environment Manager (CWE