Starting Salaries for Environmental Engineers
Environmental engineers combine principles of engineering, biology and chemistry to solve environmental problems. They develop solutions for controlling water, soil, and air pollution, and for improving recycling and waste disposal. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts favorable job opportunities in this field through at least 2018. Starting salaries for environmental engineers are usually over $40,000 per year.
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Job Features
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Examples of environmental engineering projects include the design of municipal water supply and wastewater treatment systems, development of hazardous waste management plans, and research on the environmental impact of proposed buildings, factories, mines, roads and other construction. Environmental engineers work to minimize the effects of vehicle emissions, acid rain and ozone layer depletion. Some are involved in the protection of wildlife habitats.
Salary by Experience
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As with other engineering positions, a bachelor of science in the field is the usual minimum requirement for entry-level jobs, but some research opportunities may require a master's degree. Many environmental engineers provide their services as consultants to businesses, and must be licensed to offer services directly to the public. The median starting salary range for environmental engineers as of December 2010 was about $43,000 to $53,300 per year, according to the PayScale salary survey website. Those with one to four years of experience were earning in a median range of $46,800 to $59,000 per year.
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Salary Range
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The average salary for environmental engineers as of May 2009 was about $39 per hour, or $81,800 per year, according to the BLS. The middle 50 percent of environmental engineers on the earnings scale were making $59,800 to $96,700, and the top 10 percent more than $115,700 per year. The bottom 10 percent were earning less than $47,700 per year, which may indicate starting salaries. Most environmental engineers work in architectural and engineering services and management, or in scientific and technical consulting services, earning about $81,700 to $83,000 annually on average. The average income for all environmental engineers is lowered by local government positions, paying $75,000 on average, and state government jobs, paying $66,000 on average.
Employment Outlook
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The year 2008 saw employment of 54,300 environmental engineers, and that should increase to 70,900 by 2018, predicts the BLS. Companies need assistance complying with environmental regulations and preventing environmental damage, along with better methods of cleaning up pollution and hazardous waste.
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References
- Photo Credit WATER TREATMENT image by BILLY WELLBORN from Fotolia.com
