Career Outlook for Environmental Engineers in 2015

With the New Year in full force, interested environmental engineers probably are wondering what the job outlook looks like for their chosen profession. The continued recovery from the Great Recession combined with an increased emphasis on green initiatives to combat global warming means career prospects are great.

In short, now is the time if you are interested in exploring new opportunities in environmental engineering, or if you want to actually enter the field. Here is a closer look at the career outlook for environmental engineers.

The Environmental Engineering Field Continues to Grow

If considering a move into environmental engineering, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers some hope for a successful career transition. According to the BLS, the number of environmental engineers is expected to grow by 15 percent over the decade from 2012 to 2022. Engineers in the field enjoy a median salary of $80,890.

In this profession, you can expect to spend many of your working hours devising, developing, and deploying a variety of solutions aimed at solving environmental problems. This can include systems for recycling, pollution control, waste disposal and more.

Educational and Skills Required for Environmental Engineers

A four-year engineering degree combined with skills in mathematics and analysis are a must for fledgling engineers. Additional coursework and licensing may be a requirement in some states to work as an environmental engineer. If you ever want to move into management, an advanced degree and exemplary communication skills are a must.

Those still interested in the field, but without the full math skills required of engineering should explore working as an environmental specialist or even an environmental engineering technician. The job prospects for both professions are also as promising as those for environmental engineers, albeit with a smaller average yearly salaries. In addition, most technician positions only require a two-year degree.

If helping the environment is something to inspire you to take your career to the next level, talk to the experts at The Talley Group. As one of the top engineering staffing companies in Washington State, we are a great resource for Seattle engineering jobs. Schedule some time with us at your earliest convenience!