Will AI replace environmental engineers?AI replacement risk 64% and how the work is changing

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$107,110
25th–75th pct. $83,570–$134,420
Top pay (est.)
$210,900
Top 10% $162,220
Pay in 5 years
$122,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$139,700est.
$120,200–$162,200
Outlook score
57/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
64%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+6.3%
2,300 openings / yr

Will AI replace Environmental Engineers? AI replacement risk

64%
High
Ranked #692 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Environmental Engineers

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
4.8
Monitoring
4.2
Writing
4.2
Speaking
4.2
Active Learning
4.1
Systems Evaluation
4.1
Complex Problem Solving
4.1
Judgment and Decision Making
4.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Engineering and Technology
6.2
Design
6.1
Mathematics
5.2
Physics
5.0
Chemistry
5.0
Biology
4.9
Building and Construction
4.9
English Language
4.9

What the work involves

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsProcessing InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentThinking Creatively

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionInductive ReasoningOral ExpressionProblem Sensitivity

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
62%
Master's degree
29%
Associate's degree
5%
Post-bachelor's certificate
5%

Training before entry

None / short demo
38%
1–3 months
14%
3–6 months
14%
1–2 years
10%
6–12 months
10%
Up to 1 month
10%
4–10 years
5%

Related work experience

None
43%
2–4 years
14%
4–6 years
14%
6–12 months
14%
1–2 years
5%
6–8 years
5%
3–6 months
5%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.