What Can You Do With an Environmental Engineering Degree?

There are plenty of options to explore if you have an environmental engineering degree. For instance, you could work as a civil engineer,  an environmental engineering consultant, or a health and safety director. 

You can also use the credits earned from a bachelor’s degree to pursue a master’s degree or doctorate, which can lead to advanced career opportunities. This guide covers some of the best jobs for environmental engineering majors at every level of education. 

What Is an Environmental Engineering Major?

An environmental engineering major is a degree specialization option that allows students to learn about engineering systems and how they affect the environment and human health. This discipline is concerned with achieving sustainability through engineering methodologies and principles. This major allows students to make a real difference in environmental conservation and sustainability. 

As an environmental engineering major, you will learn how to perform tasks such as cleaning up contaminated wastewater, surveying land, and adopting techniques that reduce air pollution. These graduates work in several sectors including catchment management, conservation of natural resources, resource planning and management, water management, public health, and mining.

How to Become an Environmental Engineer: Environmental Engineering Education Options 

The best way to become an environmental engineer is by pursuing a degree from an accredited institution. Many career paths in environmental engineering start with an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in the field. Here are some of the best undergraduate and graduate programs to consider.

Environmental Engineering Associate Degree 

An associate degree refers to a two-year program requiring about 60 to 70 credits to complete. These programs are reasonably short and provide an ideal option for students who want to pick up skills in a short period to kickstart their careers. In addition, these programs are ideal for students on a budget.

An associate degree in environmental engineering will equip you with the skills necessary to test and analyze water, apply solid waste management techniques, and ensure environmental compliance and protection while maintaining high health and safety standards in the community.

Best Associate Degree Programs in Environmental Engineering

• Environmental Engineering Technology Associate Degree – Northeast Technical College
• Environmental Engineering Technology – Sandhills Community College
• Civil and Environmental Engineering – South Seattle College
• Environmental Engineering (Associate in Arts Pathway) – Seminole State College of Florida
• Environmental Engineering Technology – Sinclair Community College

Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree

Environmental engineering bachelor’s degree programs usually take about four to five years to complete depending on your learning schedule. These programs are the ideal learning option because most hiring managers in federal government agencies, water treatment plants, and private sectors prefer hiring job applicants with four-year degree certificates.

You’ll acquire a wide variety of technical skills and knowledge necessary to work in entry-level positions. These environmental engineering programs cover topics such as air quality engineering, hydrology, water quality engineering, waste disposal, and environmental fluid mechanics. 

Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Environmental Engineering

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering – University of Nevada, Reno
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering – University of Colorado, Boulder
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering – University of California, Berkeley
• Bachelor in Environmental Engineering (EnvE) – Cornell University
• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering – Stanford University

Environmental Engineering Master’s Degree 

Master’s degree programs usually take two to three years to complete. A graduate engineering program opens the door to leadership positions and more advanced career opportunities. As a graduate student, you will learn about advanced water treatment technologies, hazardous-waste management, systems engineering, industrial wastewater treatment, and social sciences.

Best Master’s Degree Programs in Environmental Engineering

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering – University of Colorado, Boulder
• Master of Engineering (MEng) in Civil and Environmental Engineering – Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Master of Civil and Environmental Engineering – University of California, Berkeley Graduate Division
• Civil & Environmental Engineering MS Degree – Stanford University
• MSE in Environmental Engineering- University of Michigan

Environmental Engineering Career Overview: Is an Environmental Engineering Career Worth It?

Environmental Engineering Job Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a 4 percent growth in the demand for environmental engineers over the next decade. Job outlook statistics will vary depending on the specific field, and these professionals can work in a wide range of sectors. 

Environmental Engineering Salaries

Environmental engineers earn reasonably high salaries. According to BLS, environmental engineers earn an average annual salary of about $92,120. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, and the highest ten percent of earners in this field make over $144,670.

Best Jobs for Environmental Engineering Majors: What Can You Do With an Environmental Engineering Degree?

Caption: An environmental engineering program teaches students valuable knowledge to help them tackle environmental damage and create sustainable practices that will leave a lasting impact on our planet. 

Environmental engineering graduates can apply for a wide range of jobs, but they will vary based on the level of degree they hold. Keep reading to learn more about some of the best environmental engineering jobs available depending on your level of education. 

Best Jobs for Environmental Engineering Associate Degree Majors

Assistant Construction Manager

• Average Salary: $65,128
• Job Outlook: 11 percent

A construction assistant manager is an ideal position for undergraduate students with little to no job experience. This specialization career allows professionals to work directly under construction managers on construction sites to assist in planning, organizing, and executing construction designs while considering environmental science concepts.

Environmental Consultant

• Average Salary: $58,211
• Job Outlook: 11 percent*

This expert provides support services to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and standard industry practices to minimize the risk of pollution or actions that would result in legal action. They are hired to ensure a company’s practices do not leave the environment at risk of pollution. They assess and interpret data while pairing it with extensive knowledge in state and federal guidelines.

Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

• Average Salary: $51,630
• Job Outlook: 8 percent

Environmental engineering technologists and technicians plan, design, and develop engineering plans for high-ranking engineers to work on. Other duties include setting up and maintaining equipment used in environmental conservation, maintaining project records, and reviewing work plans.

According to BLS, an associate degree in a related field is the typical entry-level education for this position. With that said, you’ll need communication, reading, observational, and problem-solving skills as an environmental engineering technician.

Environmental Science and Protection Technician

• Average Salary: $46,850 
• Job Outlook: 11 percent*

Environmental science and protection technicians analyze the environment for sources of pollution or contaminants that could be affecting the overall health of the public. They also inspect establishments, institutions, and organizations to ensure they adhere to environmental regulations.

According to BLS, most entry-level jobs in this field require an associate degree in a related discipline. Additionally, BLS estimates that the job demand for these professionals is growing at a rate faster than the national average. This presents an ideal opportunity for aspiring environmental engineers to gain professional experience.

Environmental Compliance Technician

• Average Salary: $48,581
• Job Outlook: 11 percent*

Environmental compliance technicians are compliance officers who ensure establishments, communities, and individuals adhere to regulations and policies concerning environmental health and safety. They also help identify pollutants or contaminants in an ecosystem in an attempt to achieve environmental sustainability.

* Job outlook data is based on information from Environmental Science and Protection Technicians on BLS

Best Jobs for Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Majors

Green Building Engineer

• Average Salary: $59,965
• Job Outlook: 4 percent

Green building engineers combine their knowledge of engineering and environmental science to develop construction solutions that maximize natural energy efficiency. Such practices include the use of solar power, recycling, and daylighting. These engineers also ensure that national resources, such as water and energy, are used efficiently and responsibly in construction.

Environmental Surveyors

• Average Salary: $65,590
• Job Outlook: 2 percent

Land surveyors apply knowledge from different disciplines to determine the environmental impact of real estate processes such as construction developments. They perform a number of assessments including flood risk assessment, environmental screening, fire risk assessment, and contaminated land assessment.

 This position is ideal for undergraduates with a strong background in math and technology. It provides the ideal stepping stone for students to gain specialized skills before they become licensed surveyors.

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Environmental Compliance Specialist

• Average Salary: $63,506
• Job Outlook: 11 percent

Environmental compliance specialists are well versed in federal and state environmental law and use this knowledge to inspect sites to ensure compliance. They also work for the private sector to ensure company actions do not jeopardize the environment, which can leave room for legal action.

Environmental Research and Developer 

• Average Salary: $59,175
• Job Outlook: 8 percent

Environmental researchers collect environmental data from a wide variety of samples including water, soil, air, and food for scientific analysis. They also prepare technical reports and presentations to explain the results to stakeholders. Most of these professionals are employed in federal government agencies, engineering, technical consulting, and management.

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator

• Average Salary: $49,090
• Job Outlook: -3 percent

Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators apply a wide range of techniques and methodologies to manage systems that treat wastewater to usable water. Other duties of these professionals include adding chemicals to disinfect water, operating machinery or equipment, collecting water samples, and ensuring safety standards have been met.

Although the job demand for these professionals has slowed down over the past few years, this field remains lucrative for fresh graduates looking to launch their careers in water management. The job is perfect for such people because it offers long-term on-the-job training, and has fairly low barriers to entry.

Best Jobs for Environmental Engineering Master’s Degree Majors

Director of Environmental Health and Safety

• Average Salary: $135,697
• Job Outlook: 6 percent

Directors of environmental health and safety oversee organizational adherence to health and safety regulations. This is a senior managerial position that requires candidates to have a unique blend of advanced education and on-the-job experience. 

Senior Environmental Engineer

• Average Salary: $92,120
• Job Outlook: 4 percent

Senior environmental engineers solve environmental problems with the application of engineering, environmental, and scientific principles. This is a senior position that requires advanced knowledge and years of experience in the field. 

According to BLS most of these professionals work in engineering services, local governments, state governments, and technical consulting services. Aspiring students looking to launch their careers as environmental engineers should consider taking high school courses in chemistry, biology, math, calculus, and physics.

Civil Engineering Supervisor

• Average Salary: $90,401
• Job Outlook: 8 percent

Civil engineering supervisors ensure projects run smoothly and are completed within the set deadlines by providing supervisory services. They manage teams of engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure the completion of a project. Civil engineer supervisors also design projects and analyze plans, maps, data, and survey reports.

Air Pollution Control Engineer

• Average Salary: $85,186
• Job Outlook: 4 percent*

These professionals apply both theoretical and practical knowledge to provide solutions to air pollution-related problems. They address problems such as vehicle pollution, global warming, greenhouse gases, and other emissions causing harm to the ozone.

Environmental Engineering Consultant

• Average Salary: $92,848
• Job Outlook: 4 percent*

Environmental engineering consultants offer consulting services thanks to their extensive knowledge in both engineering practices and environmental science. They offer assistance with just about everything, from system design to project oversight, as well as preparing compliance submittals.

* Job outlook data is based on information from Environmental Engineers on BLS.

Three Final Tips to Get a Job in Environmental Engineering

1. Consider entry-level jobs, especially as a recent graduate. We all have to start somewhere. You should strongly consider getting an entry-level job or researching internship opportunities as early as possible to build up your practical experience and technical skills.
2. Join environmental engineering communities and forums. These forums feature other professionals in this field who are constantly sharing ideas involving environmental construction projects, water pollution, environmental improvement programs, and more. Joining such forums increases your exposure and knowledge base which could play a vital role in helping you find employment. 
3. Pursue higher education. Higher education in environmental engineering is almost a requirement, especially if you want to climb up the ranks and take advantage of lucrative employment opportunities. 

There are many opportunities in environmental engineering, especially after earning a degree in a related field. The classes are significantly more technical than other programs as they focus on topics such as chemistry, soil science, mechanical engineering, environmental regulations, and geotechnical engineering. 

Getting on-the-job experience is crucial to building a successful career in this field. You should consider an internship program, entry-level job, or job training program to get you started. There are also numerous environmental engineering educational resources that can help improve your knowledge base outside of formal education.