What Can You Do With an Environmental Engineering Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What does an environmental engineer do on a day-to-day basis?

Environmental engineers work at the intersection of science, technology, and public health, applying engineering principles to solve environmental challenges and improve sustainability. Their daily tasks can vary depending on their role, industry, and project stage, but common responsibilities include:

• Designing environmental systems: They create plans for water treatment plants, air pollution control systems, and waste management facilities, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. These designs often incorporate sustainable technologies to reduce ecological impact.
• Conducting environmental assessments: They evaluate the potential environmental effects of proposed projects through field studies, sampling, and data analysis. The results guide decision-making and help secure necessary permits.
• Overseeing project implementation: They supervise the construction and installation of environmental systems, ensuring that work meets design specifications and safety standards. This includes coordinating with contractors, government agencies, and other engineers.
• Monitoring environmental performance: They track the effectiveness of pollution control measures and sustainability programs using sensors, lab tests, and performance audits. Adjustments are made to improve efficiency and compliance.
• Providing technical consulting: They advise businesses, governments, and communities on environmental best practices, regulatory requirements, and sustainability strategies. This often involves preparing reports, presentations, and policy recommendations.

For professionals who want to expand their expertise beyond the technical side, pursuing an accelerated online sustainability master's degree can complement their engineering skills by adding advanced knowledge in sustainable practices, policy, and leadership. This combination can open doors to higher-level roles that influence environmental strategies on a broader scale.

How long does it take to become an environmental engineer?

Becoming an environmental engineer typically starts with earning a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering or a related field, which usually takes about four years of full-time study. During this time, students complete foundational courses in math, chemistry, and physics, along with specialized classes in water resources, air quality, waste management, and environmental systems design.

Many programs also require laboratory work, computer modeling, and hands-on projects that simulate real-world environmental challenges. Some schools offer accelerated or combined bachelor’s-to-master’s programs that can be completed in five years, allowing students to enter the workforce with advanced credentials sooner.

For those who want to deepen their expertise, pursue leadership roles, or work in research and academia, a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering or a related discipline can take an additional 1 to 3 years, depending on whether it’s full-time or part-time.

In some cases, employers may prefer or require a master’s degree for specialized consulting or senior engineering positions, and professionals seeking a quicker route might explore the shortest environmental engineering programs online to accelerate their advancement.

Is environmental engineering a good degree for transitioning into environmental policy or law?

Environmental engineering can be an excellent foundation for transitioning into environmental policy or law because it combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of environmental systems and regulations. Professionals with this background bring a unique perspective to policymaking, advocacy, and legal work, allowing them to bridge the gap between science and legislation.

Additionally, for those interested in combining faith-based leadership with environmental stewardship, this degree can support roles in faith-based organizations or church programs that focus on creation care, opening pathways to Christian ministry jobs that integrate technical knowledge with spiritual guidance.

Common ways this degree supports a move into policy or law include:

• Understanding complex environmental issues: Graduates can analyze technical data on pollution, resource management, and climate impacts, then translate it into actionable policy recommendations. This skill helps shape evidence-based environmental laws and regulations.
• Interpreting and applying regulations: They are familiar with environmental compliance frameworks like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, enabling them to advise lawmakers, agencies, or clients effectively. This knowledge is crucial for crafting enforceable and effective legislation.
• Collaborating with legal and policy teams: Environmental engineers often work alongside attorneys, legislators, and advocacy groups to assess the feasibility and impact of proposed policies. Their technical insight ensures that environmental laws are both practical and scientifically sound.
• Advocating for sustainable solutions: They use engineering expertise to promote policies that encourage renewable energy adoption, waste reduction, and conservation. This advocacy can occur in courtrooms, government hearings, or public forums.

What jobs can you get with an environmental engineering degree?

An environmental engineering degree prepares graduates for a wide variety of careers that combine technical problem-solving with environmental stewardship. These roles can be found in the public sector, private industry, non-profit organizations, and international development, offering opportunities to make a tangible impact on sustainability and public health.

Career paths for environmental engineering graduates include the following:

• Environmental engineer: Designs systems and solutions to manage water, air, and waste while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Their work often involves creating treatment plants, remediation plans, and pollution control technologies.
• Water resources engineer: Develops and maintains systems for water supply, flood control, and wastewater treatment. They focus on ensuring communities have safe, sustainable, and reliable access to clean water.
• Sustainability consultant: Advises businesses and organizations on reducing environmental impact through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable design. They often prepare environmental audits and implement green initiatives.
• Air quality specialist: Monitors, analyzes, and develops strategies to reduce air pollution from industrial, transportation, and municipal sources. Their work supports compliance with clean air standards and improves public health outcomes.
• Environmental health and safety (EHS) manager: Oversees workplace practices to ensure compliance with environmental laws and occupational health standards. They develop safety protocols, conduct training, and manage risk mitigation programs.
• Environmental policy analyst: Researches and evaluates the effectiveness of environmental regulations, programs, and initiatives. They use technical data and economic analysis to recommend policy improvements that balance environmental protection with practical implementation.

Additionally, those seeking flexibility might consider the fastest online MBA programs in environmental management to combine technical knowledge with business leadership skills. This also opens doors to roles such as sustainability director, environmental program manager, or corporate environmental strategist.

These positions often require a unique blend of engineering expertise and executive decision-making capabilities, which such programs are designed to develop.

What are the top-paying industries in the U.S. for environmental engineers?

Environmental engineers can work across a wide range of sectors, but salaries vary significantly by industry. According to recent U.S. labor data, the following industries offer the highest median annual wages for environmental engineers, reflecting the demand for their expertise in managing environmental challenges and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Graduates who hold advanced degrees, such as a Master of Engineering Management, may find even greater opportunities, as specialized training in leadership, project management, and technical oversight prepares them for higher-level positions. Many master of engineering management jobs involve overseeing complex environmental projects, managing multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that sustainability goals are met efficiently.

• Federal government, excluding postal service ($120,830): Environmental engineers in the federal government work on national-scale projects related to environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and resource management. They may be involved in overseeing infrastructure projects, conducting environmental impact assessments, and developing sustainability policies.
• Engineering services ($103,690): Professionals in engineering services design and implement systems to manage water, air, and waste, as well as mitigate pollution. They often work for private consulting firms that serve industries, municipalities, and construction projects.
• Management, scientific, and technical consulting services ($101,630): Environmental engineers in consulting analyze complex environmental problems and develop strategic solutions for clients. They provide expertise in areas such as regulatory compliance, sustainable development, and climate resilience planning.
• Local government, excluding education and hospitals ($98,590): In local government, environmental engineers manage community-level infrastructure, water systems, and pollution control initiatives. They may also be responsible for ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.
• State government, excluding education and hospitals ($97,510): Environmental engineers in state government focus on implementing statewide environmental policies and programs. They may work in environmental quality departments, natural resources agencies, or infrastructure development offices.

These figures highlight how an environmental engineer’s earning potential can vary widely depending on the sector they choose. Federal roles tend to command the highest salaries due to the scope, complexity, and scale of projects, while state and local positions often balance solid pay with community-focused impact.

The chart below visually breaks down these top-paying industries for environmental engineers, making it easy to compare salary levels across different employment sectors.

What leadership roles can environmental engineering graduates pursue in industry or government?

Environmental engineering graduates can advance into leadership roles that combine their technical expertise with strategic decision-making and management responsibilities. These positions exist in both industry and government, allowing professionals to influence large-scale environmental projects, shape policy, and guide sustainable development initiatives. Common leadership roles include:

• Engineering project manager: Oversees the planning, budgeting, and execution of environmental engineering projects. They coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure projects meet technical, regulatory, and financial goals.
• Environmental program director: Leads organization-wide sustainability or environmental compliance programs. They set long-term goals, allocate resources, and measure progress toward environmental performance targets.
• Government environmental division chief: Manages state or federal agency divisions focused on water quality, air pollution, or waste management. They supervise staff, develop regulations, and oversee enforcement efforts.
• Corporate sustainability director: Guides a company’s overall environmental strategy, integrating sustainable practices into operations, supply chains, and product design. They often represent the company in public forums and industry partnerships.
• Nonprofit environmental initiatives manager: Directs environmental programs within NGOs, focusing on conservation, advocacy, or community sustainability projects. They secure funding, build partnerships, and track impact metrics. Interestingly, engineers interested in the nonprofit sector may also explore what can you do with a master's degree in nonprofit management, as combining environmental expertise with nonprofit leadership training opens doors to managing large-scale environmental NGOs, sustainability advocacy programs, and community-focused conservation initiatives. This combination equips graduates to secure funding, build strategic partnerships, and drive impactful programs that address environmental challenges on local, national, or even global scales.
• Chief environmental engineer: Serves as the top technical authority within an organization on environmental matters. They provide high-level oversight of engineering teams and advise executives or policymakers on complex environmental challenges.

What is the average salary for environmental engineers in the U.S.?

The average salary for environmental engineers in the United States is $104,170 per year, which translates to approximately $50.08 per hour. This figure reflects the median annual wage across various industries, skill levels, and regions, according to the most recent data.

Salaries can vary based on factors such as education, licensure (like Professional Engineer status), years of experience, and the specific sector in which an engineer works. For example, federal government roles typically offer higher wages, while state and local government positions may pay slightly less but provide other benefits such as job stability and work-life balance.

In addition to base pay, many environmental engineers receive compensation packages that include health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances. Geographic location also plays a significant role in salary differences—states with higher costs of living or high demand for engineering skills often offer more competitive wages.

Professionals looking to relocate or specialize in regional environmental challenges may also benefit from the shortest online environmental geography degrees, which can provide targeted expertise in how geography impacts environmental systems and engineering solutions.

What skills are necessary to succeed as an environmental engineering graduate?

Environmental engineering graduates need a mix of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills to thrive in their careers. Success in this field requires the ability to design practical solutions to environmental problems while navigating regulations, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and adapting to emerging technologies. Key skills include:

• Technical engineering proficiency: Strong foundation in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics to design and evaluate environmental systems. This includes using modeling software, CAD tools, and GIS for project development.
• Regulatory and compliance knowledge: Understanding of environmental laws, permitting processes, and standards such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and hazardous waste regulations. This ensures projects meet all legal requirements.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking: Ability to analyze complex environmental challenges, assess multiple solutions, and implement the most sustainable and cost-effective options. These skills are essential for addressing real-world constraints.
• Project management: Skills in budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation to keep projects on track and within scope. Effective project managers also coordinate with engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Communication and collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills to explain technical concepts to non-engineers, write reports, and present findings. Collaboration is critical when working with multidisciplinary teams.
• Adaptability and innovation: Capacity to adopt new technologies, respond to evolving environmental challenges, and integrate cutting-edge sustainable practices into engineering solutions.

To succeed as an environmental engineering graduate, professionals need a mix of technical, analytical, and communication skills. For those looking to build these competencies more quickly, enrolling in a fast track environmental science degree online can provide a focused path to develop both the technical expertise and the interdisciplinary knowledge needed for the field.

Are there any certifications that you can obtain as an environmental engineer?

Environmental engineers can pursue a variety of certifications to enhance their credentials, demonstrate expertise, and improve career opportunities. These certifications may focus on technical skills, environmental management, sustainability, or leadership, and they are often valued by employers in both industry and government.

Interestingly, the interdisciplinary nature of engineering also opens doors to unconventional fields. For instance, professionals curious about aerospace or planetary sciences may wonder what can you do with a space studies degree, and certifications in project management, energy systems, or environmental compliance can provide a valuable foundation for careers in space-related engineering, satellite development, or planetary resource management.

Certifications for environmental engineering graduates include the following:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license: Professional Engineer (PE) license: Recognized across the U.S., this credential allows engineers to sign off on projects and take legal responsibility for engineering work. Obtaining a PE typically requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, along with relevant work experience.
• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification: Often the first step toward becoming a licensed PE, the FE demonstrates competency in core engineering principles. It is usually earned by recent graduates or those nearing the completion of their degree.
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional: Shows expertise in green building design, construction, and operation. LEED credentials are valued in sustainable infrastructure, architecture, and construction projects.
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM): Recognized globally, this certification focuses on optimizing energy performance and sustainability in facilities and industrial processes. It is especially useful for engineers working in energy efficiency or renewable energy sectors.
• Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM): Demonstrates expertise in handling, transporting, and managing hazardous materials safely and in compliance with environmental regulations. It is relevant for engineers working in waste management and remediation.
• Project Management Professional (PMP): Highlights skills in leading projects, managing budgets, and coordinating teams. It is especially beneficial for engineers in managerial or consulting roles overseeing large-scale environmental projects.

What is the job outlook for environmental engineering graduates over the next decade?

Employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increasing public and private sector demand for sustainable infrastructure, environmental compliance, and solutions to address climate change and pollution challenges.

Over the next decade, there will be an average of about 3,000 job openings each year, with many positions arising from the need to replace workers who retire or transition to other careers. 

Certain states employ significantly higher numbers of environmental engineers, often due to a combination of industrial activity, environmental regulations, and infrastructure development needs.

Many professionals in these regions also pursue advanced credentials through the shortest online environmental management master's programs to quickly qualify for leadership or specialized roles. 

The figures in the chart below highlight how job opportunities for environmental engineers are concentrated in states with large populations, diverse industries, and significant environmental challenges. 

Here’s what graduates have to say about their environmental engineering degrees:

Other things you should know about getting an environmental engineering degree

Is environmental engineering a hard major?

Environmental engineering can be challenging because it blends rigorous coursework in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics with specialized classes in environmental systems and design. Students must master both the theoretical aspects of engineering and the practical skills needed to solve real-world environmental problems.

Laboratory work, computer modeling, and field projects can be time-intensive, requiring strong time management skills. However, students passionate about sustainability and problem-solving often find the work rewarding, as it directly relates to improving public health and protecting the environment.

Do I need an ABET-accredited degree to become an environmental engineer?

While not all employers require it, earning an ABET-accredited environmental engineering degree is highly recommended, especially for those who want to become licensed Professional Engineers (PE). Accreditation ensures that the program meets industry and academic standards, which is important for licensure eligibility in most states.

Many graduate programs and employers also view accreditation as a mark of quality and rigor. Without it, you may face additional hurdles when applying for certification or certain jobs. Choosing an accredited program can make your path to career advancement smoother.

Can I work while earning my environmental engineering degree?

It’s possible to work while studying, but environmental engineering programs are often demanding, especially for full-time students. Many undergraduates take on part-time jobs, internships, or research assistant positions related to the field, which can strengthen their resumes.

Internships are particularly valuable because they provide real-world experience, networking opportunities, and sometimes even lead to full-time job offers after graduation. Some universities also offer co-op programs that alternate between classroom learning and full-time work placements. Balancing work and study requires strong organizational skills, but it can be an effective way to gain both income and experience.

What kinds of projects do environmental engineering students work on?

Environmental engineering students often participate in projects that address real-world environmental challenges such as water treatment, renewable energy systems, or waste management solutions. These projects can be part of laboratory courses, fieldwork, or senior capstone design experiences.

Many programs also partner with local governments, nonprofits, or companies to give students hands-on exposure to industry practices. Through these projects, students learn teamwork, project management, and how to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems. This experience not only strengthens technical skills but also builds a professional portfolio for future job applications.