Using the principles of biology and chemistry, environmental engineers develop methods to solve problems related to the environment. They are involved in water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and public health issues. Environmental engineers conduct hazardous-waste management studies, evaluate the significance of the hazard, offer analysis on treatment and containment, and develop regulations to prevent mishaps. They design municipal sewage and industrial wastewater systems. They analyze scientific data, research controversial projects, and perform quality control checks.
Environmental engineers are concerned with local and worldwide environmental issues. They study and attempt to minimize the effects of acid rain, global warming, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion. They also are involved in the protection of wildlife.
Many environmental engineers work as consultants, helping their clients comply with regulations and clean up hazardous sites, including brownfields, which are abandoned urban or industrial sites that may contain environmental hazards.
Environmental engineers held about 52,000 jobs in 2000. More than one-third worked in engineering and management services and about 16,000 were employed in Federal, State, and local government agencies. Most of the rest worked in various manufacturing industries.
Employment of environmental engineers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2010. More environmental engineers will be needed to meet environmental regulations and to develop methods of cleaning up existing hazards. A shift in emphasis toward preventing problems rather than controlling those that already exist, as well as increasing public health concerns, also will spur demand for environmental engineers. However, political factors determine the job outlook for environmental engineers more than that for other engineers. Looser environmental regulations would reduce job opportunities; stricter regulations would enhance opportunities.
Even though employment of environmental engineers should be less affected by economic conditions than that of most other types of engineers, a significant economic downturn could reduce the emphasis on environmental protection, reducing employment opportunities. Environmental engineers need to keep abreast of a range of environmental issues to ensure steady employment because their area of focus may change frequently—for example, from hazardous wastesite cleanup to the prevention of water pollution.
Median annual earnings of environmental engineers were $57,780 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $45,740 and $71,280. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,210, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $87,290. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of environmental engineers in 2000 were:
| Engineering and architectural services |
$53,580 |
| State government |
53,210 |
| Management and public relations |
52,110 |
According to a 2001 salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in environmental engineering received starting offers averaging $51,167 a year.
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