Environmental Engineer
By Yiwei Shen
What do They Do?
Environmental engineers work with a variety of people from different jobs to supervise, plan, and manage projects to protect and preserve the environment. Sometimes, they work with other industries to develop safety protocols, and sometimes they may be required to work with hazardous waste. Although there are risks, you do get to help the environment, work outside, work with others, and be creative everyday.
How Much Do We Earn?
Annually: $80,890
Hourly: $38.89
How Do You Become One?
To become an environmental engineer, you need at least a bachelor's degree for environmental engineering or a related field. The best colleges for this occupation are University of California-Berkely ($38,140 annually) and Stanford ($47,073 annually).
What is the Job Outlook?
This job is expected to grow 15% from 2012-2022, which is faster than average.
What Are Some Skills You Should Have?
Engineering and technology, mathematics, chemistry, critical thinking, time management, communication, and problem solving skills. You need time management to be able to finish a project on time, you need communication to be able to talk with other people successfully, you need engineering and problem solving skills to be able to come up with a creative solution to a problem. and you need mathematics and chemistry to make sure that your solution is reasonable. You will also need to know how to use a variety of advanced equipment.
What Are Some Related Careers?
Environmental Engineering Technicians:
They are the ones that carry out the plans environmental engineers make. Their annual salary ranges from $43,350-$53,920
Environmental Scientists and Specialists:
Environmental scientist and specialists clean up polluted areas and work with the industry to reduce waste. They make $60,100-$63, 570 annually.
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians:
They work under environmental scientists and specialists to preform tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution. They make about $41,240 annually.