Customize Your Journey
For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Median Salary
47,280
Job Outlook
+1%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

70%

Federal Government

10%

State and local government

9%

Private not for profit

8%

Self-employed

3%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$30,690

10%

$47,280

Median

$71,310

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Less than high school

    26%

  • High school

    24%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    19%

  • Some college

    13%

  • Bachelor's degree

    13%

  • Associate's degree

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology/Technician

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Public Safety and Security
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Mechanical
  • Administration and Management
  • Transportation

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

Related Occupations

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.