Environmental Engineering Job | Career Paths

The practice of environmental engineering continues to grow in importance with global climate challenges becoming paramount in the 21st Century. If you are a fledgling engineer looking for a lucrative field with benefits that go beyond simple financial considerations, maybe a career as an environmental engineer makes a good fit? Your engineering skills might mitigate the damage caused by an oil spill or help bring an electric car prototype successfully to the market.

Let’s take a look at the educational options to put your career squarely on the path towards becoming an environmental engineer:

What Environmental Engineering Degree do I need?

Generally, a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering qualifies you for entry-level employment at an engineer level. It is also possible to get a job as an environmental engineering technician with only an Associates degree. If you want the best possible chances for advancement, a bachelor’s degree is the way to go.

The median starting salary for an environmental engineer is around $80,000 per year. Engineering technicians make around half that salary, with a median of around $45,000 per year. Environmental engineers with at least five years of experience, who move into management, have the potential for a six-figure salary — the median salary is around $125,000 annually.

More Gender Equality in Environmental Engineering

Women engineers enjoy more gender equality in the world of environmental engineering. Females made up 43 percent of all environmental engineering graduates in 2011. This compares to 23 percent in computer software engineering and only 12 percent in mechanical engineering. In short, environmental engineering is less male-dominated than other engineering disciplines.

Most degree programs offer concentrations to allow graduates to focus on a particular area of environmental engineering. These include sustainable infrastructure, environmental nanotechnology, and environmental chemistry and soil physics. Many opportunities exist for engineers to specialize in something that inspires them, while still allowing for a lucrative salary.

If you are intrigued by the opportunities provided by environmental engineering for both personal and career growth, talk to the experts at The Talley Group. As one of the top engineering staffing companies in Washington State, they are also a great source for Seattle engineering jobs. Schedule some time to meet with them today!