Environmental Engineer

What an Environmental Engineer Does

Environmental engineers solve problems affecting different aspects of the environment, including air and water quality, water supply, waste management, and public health. They work to help cities and communities facilitate healthy, effective systems and make it easier for individuals to preserve the environment. These engineers collect data, conduct research projects and analyze existing problems and systems, and write up reports as they work with governments, institutions and regulations groups to find solutions to problems dealing with pollution, waste disposal, recycling, hazardous waste, and even construction. They also design new systems and tools to treat water, recycle waste, and regulate exhaust and other air pollutants. Their main goals are to use their knowledge of biology, chemistry and mathematics to improve the healthy living conditions of humans and all living things within an area. While environmental engineers work in labs and offices, they also make site visits to water and air treatment centers, industrial areas, hazardous waste sites and other places that they need to inspect and control.

How to Become an Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineering is a diverse field, and you will need at least a bachelor's degree to find work. If your university does not offer an undergraduate degree in environmental engineering, look for majors in civil engineering, biology, chemistry, agricultural engineering, geology, or ecology. You will need to take some engineering classes and may need a master's degree in environmental engineering if your undergraduate major wasn't in an engineering field. But taking classes in public health, statistics, geology and the physical sciences will also round out your education. Make sure your program is accredited by the ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. A bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete, and you will also be required to take courses in the liberal arts and sciences as part of a common curriculum. Master's degrees usually take one-to-two years after undergraduate study. Depending on your employer, you may need to become licensed. First, you will take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and then after enough work experience, you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. After becoming a Professional Engineer (PE) you can become a contractor and also be certified to work directly with the public.

Career Outlook for Environmental Engineers

In 2008, environmental engineers held about 54,300 jobs, out of 1.6 million engineering jobs in the United States. They worked for governments, private companies, and as consultants and contractors. Environmental engineers are needed all over the country to improve living conditions, public health and environmental management, and employment is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job growth of 31% for environmental engineers, or an increase of about 16,600 jobs. That rate is much faster than the national average and is higher than other engineering jobs, too. Depending on where you live, your education and your experience, your salary will vary, but the median annual salary for environmental engineers in 2008 was $74,020. The middle 50% earned between $56,980 and $94,280, while the highest 10% earned $115,430. The more certifications you're able to secure and the more work experience you have, the higher your earning potential will be.