How to Become an Environmental

Engineer
By Indeed Editorial Team
Updated February 23, 2021
Published November 6, 2020

Environmental engineers are integral to supporting the protection of the

environment during industrial projects and applications. These
professionals apply science, math and engineering principles to design
and implement methods for reducing waste and improving ecological
sites. If you're interested in becoming an environmental engineer, there
are several factors to consider before starting your career path. In this
article, we'll explore what environmental engineers do, how much they
can earn and how to become an environmental engineer so you can
decide if it's the right career for you.

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What is an environmental engineer?

Environmental engineers are professionals who work to reduce, minimize
and manage pollution and waste due to mining, manufacturing,
construction and other industrial projects. Environmental engineers
coordinate environmental protection methods with companies they work
with to ensure the compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
Additionally, environmental engineers may work in a variety of subfields
that include soil management, ecological sustainability and other
environmental development sectors.

Related: Learn About Being an Environmental Engineer

What do environmental engineers do?

Generally, environmental engineers are responsible for planning,
developing and implementing various processes that aid in the reduction,
mitigation and control of waste, pollution and other debris related to
industrial operations. These professionals make sure companies who
initiate projects that can affect the environment—like mining and large
construction projects—are aware and in compliance of government
regulations for environmental and public safety. Several responsibilities
these professionals take on during their workdays include:

 Applying principles of engineering to protect the environment

during industrial operations
 Developing methods to reduce waste and pollution
 Improving conditions through environmental remediation
 Using pollution control technology to plan and implement ways to
protect environmental sites
 Designing technological systems and equipment for the control and
mitigation of waste and pollution for the safety of public health
 Coordinating recycling and reduction processes at manufacturing
and industrial sites
 Treating and disposing of waste materials in accordance with public
and government health and environmental regulations
 Consulting with corporations to advise on the effects construction
and industrial projects have on the environment

Related: What Is Environmental Engineering?

Average salary for environmental engineers

Environmental engineers earn a national average salary of $83,060 per
year, according to Indeed. The your income level can vary, though,
depending on where you live, your experience level, credentials and even
your specializations. For instance, an environmental engineer who
specializes in geotechnical engineering can expect to earn a national
average salary of $79,844 per year, just a little under the national average
for environmental engineers. Additionally, your credentials can be an
advantage for higher income opportunities, especially if you pursue a
master's degree and other certifications.

Related: 10 High-Paying Engineering Jobs

How to become an environmental engineer

The steps below outline the educational and training process for
becoming an environmental engineer:

1. Complete a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering

Complete a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering through an

accredited program. Coursework for the field typically includes
prerequisites like science studies, mathematics and engineering
principles. As you study your major more in-depth, coursework covers
water treatment, pollution mitigation and control technologies, air quality
management and environmental rehabilitation. When you graduate from
your four-year degree program, you will be eligible to take the
Fundamentals of Engineering exam, which is required before entering
the workforce.

2. Take and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)

administers the FE exam, where you'll find the FE Environmental exam
specific to environmental engineering. The FE exam is the first step
toward professional certification, but depending on the state where you
live, it might not be a requirement. The exam covers mathematics
applications, engineering fundamentals, environmental chemistry, legal
policies and additional topics specific to environmental engineering.

3. Gain work experience through an internship or entry-level role

Internships and even entry-level roles can give you valuable work
experience that you'll need to qualify to take the Principles and Practice
of Engineering exam. This exam is the last step toward professional
certification, and the NCEES may require you to have several years of
work experience prior to sitting for the exam. Your entry-level experience
will also be highly advantageous to add to your resume as you advance in
your career.

4. Take the Principles and Practices of Engineering exam for licensing

Take the PE exam through the NCEES. Many environmental engineers

who work for federal, local and state consulting firms and government
agencies will need to earn the professional engineer's certification to
provide services to the public. Your license will also boost your
employment potential, providing you with additional credentials to
showcase your expertise.

5. Consider obtaining your graduate degree

You can choose to pursue your master's in environmental engineering,

too. Some programs offer five-year programs where you can complete
your bachelor's and move right into your master's program. It's not a
requirement to start your career, however, an advanced degree in
environmental engineering or in a specialization can open up more job
possibilities and higher income potential. Additionally, some states
require an entirely separate state licensure from the NCEES professional
certification for engineering professionals to provide services to the
public.

Related: 11 Different Engineering Career Paths

Frequently asked questions about being an

environmental engineer
If you're still interested in learning more about the career of an
environmental engineer, the following frequently asked questions can
provide some additional insight:
What skills do environmental engineers need?

Environmental engineers rely on strong hard skills specific to the field of

engineering. Structural design, elements of site management, ecological
rehabilitation technologies, mathematics and statistics and the ability to
use technological equipment to perform job functions are several
examples of the technical skills that engineers in the field should have.
Communication, research and analysis, writing and leadership skills are
also beneficial traits to develop to succeed in the career.

Related: 12 Essential Engineering Skills for Your Resume

What are additional specializations in environmental engineering?

Environmental engineering can provide career opportunities in several

different specializations within the field. Geotechnical engineering
focuses on soil mechanics and foundation engineering, where engineers
may work to mitigate environmental risks to building and construction
sites. Geophysical engineering encompasses the examination and
development of methods for the extraction and mining of natural
resources like oil, gases and minerals. In addition to these industry-
focused specializations, there are several hydrology and water resource
fields of environmental engineering where engineers work to manage
and protect ecological water systems in the environment.

What is the work environment like?

Environmental engineers may spend equal amounts of time working in

the office and outdoors. Office work may focus on project development,
conferences and collaboration with teammates and executives, data
analysis and research. Engineers will also frequently travel to assess
industrial and construction sites to evaluate operations, assist in waste
reduction and mitigation processes and other applications of their work.