What is the salary of a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker?

The typical salary range is $33,943 - $67,886 per year.

ConstructionStable

Hazardous Materials Removal Worker

Operational-level

Also known as: Abatement Worker, Asbestos Abatement Worker, Asbestos Coverer, Asbestos Handler

ConstructionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.

Hazardous Waste ManagementEnvironmental RemediationIndustrial HygieneEnvironmental Health & SafetyConstructionEnvironmental SciencePublic SafetyOil and GasBuildingLogistics

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Jenkins CI Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word SAP software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+1.5%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

4,300

per year (US)

Jobs today

52,700

in 2025 → 53,500 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Moderate

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Low

Working outdoors

High

Indoor, climate-controlled

Moderate

Dealing with customers

Moderate

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Environmental Cleanup Laborer
General Construction Laborer
Waste Management Sorter

Hazardous Materials Removal Worker

Where it can lead

Hazardous Materials Supervisor
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
Remediation Project Manager

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly impact this career by enabling advanced robotics for autonomous inspection and handling in high-risk zones, drastically improving safety and efficiency. AI-powered sensors and data analytics will facilitate more precise detection, classification, and mapping of contaminants, optimizing removal strategies. This will shift human roles towards supervision, strategic planning, and managing AI-driven systems.

Salary

$49,450

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position