Environmental engineers
SOC Code: 17-2081
Environmental engineers carries a 38% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $104,170 and +3.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 39,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Environmental engineers (SOC 17-2081) carries an AI exposure score of 38%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 39,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.9% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $104,170, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Environmental engineers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Design, or supervise the design of, systems, processes, or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.
- 2. Assess the existing or potential environmental impact of land use projects on air, water, or land.
- 3. Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems.
- 4. Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment.
- 5. Develop proposed project objectives and targets and report to management on progress in attaining them.
- 6. Monitor progress of environmental improvement programs.
- 7. Prepare, review, or update environmental investigation or recommendation reports.
- 8. Prepare, maintain, or revise quality assurance documentation or procedures.
- 9. Develop site-specific health and safety protocols, such as spill contingency plans or methods for loading or transporting waste.
- 10. Provide technical support for environmental remediation or litigation projects, including remediation system design or determination of regulatory applicability.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Learning
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Building and Construction
- English Language
- Physics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Environmental engineers?
Environmental engineers has an AI exposure score of 38%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Environmental engineers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Environmental engineers is projected to grow by 3.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 39,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Environmental engineers?
Key skills for Environmental engineers include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Environmental engineers earn?
The median annual wage for Environmental engineers is $104,170, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Environmental engineers?
The typical entry-level education for Environmental engineers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Environmental engineers?
Environmental engineers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).