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Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, contaminated soil, etc. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.
Select a State
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U.S.
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$29,300
($14.09)
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$50,100
($24.09)
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$40,290
($19.37)
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Annual figures are on top. Hourly figures are below in parentheses.
N/A = Information not available
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Employment of hazardous materials removal workers is expected to grow about as fast as average. Good job opportunities are expected because of the need to replace the large number of workers who leave the occupation each year.
Employment change. Employment of hazardous materials removal workers is expected to grow 11 percent between 2006 and 2016, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Since the 1970s, asbestos and lead-based paints and plumbing fixtures and pipes have not been used and much of the remediation stemming from those products has taken place. With the continuing decline in the number of structures that contain asbestos and lead, demand for asbestos and lead abatement workers will be somewhat limited. Some growth, however, will result from the need to abate lead and asbestos from Federal and historic buildings. Mold remediation is a small and previously rapidly growing part of the occupation. However, builders have reduced the mold problem by improving the quality of construction to prevent moisture from entering buildings, limiting job growth for this specialty. Also, as more workers in other occupations, such as painters and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning workers, are able to perform mold, lead, and asbestos removal on small-scale projects, employment growth of hazardous materials removal workers will continue to be negatively impacted.
Employment of decontamination technicians, radiation safety technicians, and decommissioning and decontamination workers, however, is expected to grow in response to increased pressure for safer and cleaner nuclear and electric generation facilities. Renewed interest in nuclear power production could lead to the construction of additional facilities, resulting in the need for many new workers.
Numerous Superfund projects will require cleanup of hazardous materials waste sites, spurring demand for hazardous materials removal workers. However, employment growth will largely be determined by Federal funding, which has been declining in recent years.
Job prospects. In addition to some job openings from employment growth, many openings are expected for hazardous materials removal workers because of the need to replace workers who leave the occupation, leading to good opportunities. The often dangerous aspects of the job lead to high turnover because many workers do not stay in the occupation long. Opportunities for decontamination technicians, radiation safety technicians, and decontamination workers should be particularly good as a number of new workers will be needed to replace those who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons.
Lead and asbestos workers will have some opportunities at specialty remediation companies as restoration of Federal buildings and historic structures continues, although at a slower pace. The best employment opportunities for mold remediation workers will be in Southeast, and parts of the Northeast and Northwest, where mold tends to thrive.
These workers are not greatly affected by economic fluctuations because the facilities in which they work must operate, regardless of the state of the economy.
Hazardous materials removal workers held about 39,000 jobs in 2006. About 79 percent were employed in waste management and remediation services. Another 5 percent were employed in construction, primarily in asbestos abatement and lead abatement. A small number worked at nuclear and electric plants as decommissioning and decontamination workers and radiation safety and decontamination technicians.
Overall Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience maybe helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer could benefit from experience in installing dry wall, but an inexperienced person could learn the job fairly easily.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job related course work. In some cases, you may need an associate's or bachelor's degree.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Examples
Drywall installers, fire inspectors, flight attendants, pharmacy technicians, retail salespersons, and bank tellers.
In these occupations you can often use your knowledge and skills to help others.
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For more information on hazardous materials removal workers in the construction industry, including information on training, contact:
Sources: O*Net data version 12.0
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Department of Labor
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