Environmental engineers design systems to prevent, control, and remediate environmental hazards. They typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental, civil, or chemical engineering, earn a median salary of $104,170 (May 2024 BLS), and work in consulting firms, government agencies, or manufacturing facilities coordinating pollution control and regulatory compliance.
Environmental engineers are the problem-solvers who bridge industrial progress and environmental protection. They translate environmental regulations into practical solutions, designing pollution control technologies, coordinating waste management programs, and ensuring that companies comply with environmental laws. Without these professionals, our environmental regulations would have little practical effect at the facility level.
What Is Environmental Engineering?
Environmental engineering is the branch of engineering that focuses on protecting the environment by reducing waste and pollution. The field is also dedicated to improving environmental conditions through remediation. Environmental engineers design, plan, and implement measures to prevent, control, or remediate environmental hazards, working on projects ranging from waste treatment systems to site remediation and pollution control technology.
What Does an Environmental Engineer Do?
Environmental engineers apply scientific knowledge to design pollution control systems and protect public health. For example, they create stack scrubbers that capture industrial emissions, develop wastewater management systems that remove contaminants before discharge, and design air quality control technologies that reduce harmful emissions from manufacturing processes.
These professionals coordinate waste management and recycling activities at manufacturing sites and mines, ensuring waste is treated and disposed of according to environmental and health regulations. They often serve as the compliance point person for their organizations, advising on environmental effects of construction projects, completing permit paperwork, incorporating regulations into project planning, and conducting inspections. They write environmental investigation reports and frequently act as their company's liaison with federal, state, or local regulatory agencies.
Environmental engineers also design systems to clean up existing contamination, creating solutions that restore air, soil, and water quality at contaminated sites. Some work at the forefront of the clean energy economy, developing systems that convert waste into electric power.
Many environmental engineers coordinate their companies' environmental management system (EMS), a voluntary management technique that ensures systematic implementation and review of environmental and safety best practices. EMS following the international standard ISO 14001 is particularly beneficial to companies involved in international activities.
How Do I Get an Environmental Engineering Degree?
Positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree (B.S.), usually in environmental engineering, civil, or chemical engineering. Some undergraduate and graduate civil engineering programs offer concentrations in environmental engineering.
Students generally study basic engineering principles, ecosystem processes, fate and transport of organic contaminants, alternative energy technologies, air quality control technologies, principles of sustainability, water and wastewater treatment, mathematics, and computer-aided design (CAD). Lab and field work are often part of the curriculum.
Gaining practical experience through internships or cooperative engineering programs is important. These programs award college credit for structured job experience and provide valuable real-world exposure to the field.
Some colleges offer combined 5-year programs that lead to both bachelor's and master's degrees. A graduate degree can open opportunities as instructors at some colleges and in research and development positions.
Some employers prefer to hire graduates of ABET-accredited programs. Education through an ABET-accredited program is usually necessary for professional licensing.
Read more about getting an Environmental Engineering degree.
What Is the Average Environmental Engineer Salary?
The median annual wage for environmental engineers was $104,170 as of May 2024. Salary varies significantly by experience, specialization, and sector. Entry-level engineers (10th percentile) earn approximately $64,950, while experienced engineers (90th percentile) can earn $161,910 or more.
Those in the federal government earn the highest median salaries. Environmental engineers employed in engineering services, management and technical consulting services, state government, and local government also command competitive salaries, though specific figures vary by region and employer.
What Is the Job Demand for Environmental Engineering?
Employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth will create approximately 3,000 annual job openings, with many openings resulting from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire.
Growth will be fueled by needs for water reclamation projects that increase water supplies, especially in Western states. Concerns about industrial wastewater, particularly from energy production and manufacturing, will also drive demand. Those with master's degrees will have the best opportunities to fill vacancies.
Where Does an Environmental Engineer Work?
Environmental engineers work in various settings. The greatest number work in architectural, engineering, and related services. Others are employed in management, scientific, and technical consulting services, with additional positions in state, federal, and local government agencies.
They usually work from offices while planning designs or working on environmental permitting and regulatory issues. However, they may work at industrial sites or outdoors while conducting inspections or coordinating waste management activities. Most environmental engineers work full-time. Those who manage projects often work overtime to monitor progress and meet deadlines.
Environmental Engineering Licensure
Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is required for engineers who offer their services directly to the public. Not all environmental engineering positions require licensure, particularly those in private industry working under the supervision of licensed engineers. However, licensure is important for career advancement and independent practice.
Licensure generally requires:
- A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
- A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years
- A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
College graduates may take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam immediately. Engineers who pass this exam are called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After gaining four years of work experience, EITs and EIs can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam to qualify for licensure.
Several states require engineers to participate in professional development activities to maintain their licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, provided that the state's requirements meet or exceed their own.
After licensing, environmental engineers can earn board certification from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. This certification demonstrates expertise in an area of specialization.
Environmental Engineering Related Degrees
What Kind of Societies and Professional Organizations Do Environmental Engineers Have?
- The American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) administers board certification for environmental engineers and accredits academic environmental engineering and environmental science programs. It also provides training through online courses and webinars, and publishes a quarterly magazine and other reference materials for members.
- The National Society of Professional Engineers is the authority on licensure, ethics, and practice in the engineering profession. It hosts a job board, provides salary information, offers a mentoring program, and provides resume writing services. It also organizes six interest groups for construction, government, higher education, industry, private practice, and young engineers.
- The Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP) supports professors in academic programs throughout the world. It facilitates networking and the exchange of information through its annual Research and Education Conference. It also hosts a list of links to schools with environmental engineering or environmental science programs, hosts a job board, and issues publications.
Learn why environmental engineering is important to our future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an environmental engineer do on a daily basis?
Environmental engineers spend their days designing pollution control systems, reviewing permit applications, conducting site inspections, analyzing environmental data, and coordinating with regulatory agencies. Office work includes using CAD software to design treatment systems, preparing compliance reports, and managing project timelines. Field work involves inspecting industrial facilities, collecting environmental samples, and ensuring companies follow approved environmental management plans.
How much do environmental engineers make?
Environmental engineers earn a median salary of $104,170 annually, according to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Entry-level positions start around $64,950, while experienced engineers in senior roles or federal government positions can earn $161,910 or more. Salary varies based on education level, years of experience, industry sector, and geographic location.
Do I need a master's degree to become an environmental engineer?
No, a bachelor's degree in environmental, civil, or chemical engineering is sufficient for most entry-level environmental engineering positions. However, a master's degree can improve career prospects, particularly for research and development roles, teaching positions at colleges, or advancement to senior technical positions. Some employers prefer candidates with graduate degrees for specialized roles.
What's the difference between environmental engineers and environmental scientists?
Environmental engineers focus on designing and implementing solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution control systems, waste treatment facilities, and remediation technologies. Environmental scientists focus more on researching and analyzing environmental issues, monitoring ecosystem health, and collecting data to understand environmental impacts. Engineers apply scientific principles to build systems, while scientists study natural processes and environmental conditions.
Is environmental engineering a growing field?
Yes, environmental engineering is projected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This creates approximately 3,000 annual job openings. Growth is driven by increasing needs for water reclamation projects, concerns about industrial wastewater, and ongoing environmental compliance requirements across all industries.
Key Takeaways
- Role Definition: Environmental engineers design pollution control systems, coordinate environmental compliance, and remediate contaminated sites across industrial, governmental, and consulting sectors.
- Education Requirements: Minimum bachelor's degree in environmental, civil, or chemical engineering from an ABET-accredited program. Master's degrees improve career prospects for research, teaching, and senior technical positions.
- Median Salary: $104,170 annually (May 2024 BLS data), with salaries ranging from $64,950 for entry-level positions to $161,910 or more for experienced engineers in specialized roles or federal government positions.
- Job Growth: 4% projected growth from 2024-2034, creating approximately 3,000 annual openings, including new positions and replacements due to retirements and career transitions.
- Licensure: Professional Engineer (PE) license required only for those offering services directly to the public. Requires ABET-accredited degree, passing the FE exam, four years of experience, and passing the PE exam.
Ready to start your environmental engineering career? Explore ABET-accredited programs that can prepare you for this rewarding field. From bachelor's degrees to advanced graduate programs, find the right educational path to become an environmental engineer.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for environmental engineers reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.
