Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

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.

How to read this profile

BLS projects U.S. employment for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers to increase by 1.5% between 2024 and 2034, from 52,700 to 53,500 jobs. Its estimate of 4,300 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($49,450), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.

Base employment (2024)

52,700

Projected employment (2034)

53,500

Projected change (2024–2034)

2%

Annual openings (projected average)

4,300

Pay & Preparation
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$49,450

High school diploma or equivalent

None

Moderate-term on-the-job training

Essential Skills

Monitoring (3.5/5) • Critical Thinking (3.25/5) • Active Listening (3.12/5) • Speaking (3/5) • Reading Comprehension (3/5) • Operation and Control (3/5)

O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.

BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.

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