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Environmental Engineer Salary
Environmental engineers enjoy an excellent employment outlook due to joint aspects of job versatility and skills demand. Boasting figures from $47,500 to $66,480 annually with total compensation that ranges up to $87,800 per year, including benefits and bonuses, the environmental engineer salary average indicates this career path can be a profitable one.
Experienced environmental engineers who possess the highest degrees may earn close to $100,000 per year, reflective of their intense study and expertise in the field.
Environmental Engineer Job Description
Environmental engineers apply their expertise to resolving pollution issues, public health issues, and solid and liquid waste disposal. They design water supply and execute hazardous waste management studies, and environmental engineers may be required to conduct facility inspections to verify compliance with environmental regulations.
Environmental engineers may recommend and shape environmental laws and regulations to help resolve acid rain, ozone depletion, and global warming issues.
Most environmental engineers work in the private sector with engineering or architectural firms, assessing large construction projects’ impact on the local environment. The second most common career path is in civil service, working with local and state governments.
Required Education
As with any specialty, the higher the education level obtained, the higher the environmental engineer salary potential reaches.
Colleges and universities across the country offer bachelor’s degrees in environmental engineering. Many extend education opportunities and offer master’s degrees programs as well. Select institutions offer Ph.D. degrees in either environmental engineering or environmental sciences and technology.
Beyond degree programs, environmental engineers must be licensed. License holders are known as professional engineers, but before an environmental engineer can obtain licensing, the following qualifications must be met:
- Have a degree from an accredited engineering program;
- Have a minimum of four years of related work experience, and
- Pass a state examination which can be taken immediately after graduation.
Personnel who pass the test but don’t yet meet the additional requirements are called either engineers in training or engineer interns.
Additional accreditation with expanded criteria may be available.
Environmental Engineering Degree Opportunities
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