How to become hazardous materials removal workerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$49,450

25th–75th pct. $44,720–$61,530

Top pay (est.)

$107,100

Top 10% $82,410

Pay in 5 years

$57,600est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$67,200est.

$57,800–$78,000

Outlook score

46/100

★★☆☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

19%

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

+1.5%

4,300 openings / yr

How to become hazardous materials removal workers

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Key skills

Critical Thinking

3.4

Monitoring

3.2

Coordination

3.1

Operation and Control

3.0

Reading Comprehension

3.0

Time Management

3.0

Operations Monitoring

3.0

Judgment and Decision Making

3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

4.9

Public Safety and Security

4.1

Education and Training

4.1

Chemistry

4.0

Production and Processing

3.8

Administration and Management

3.7

Mechanical

3.5

Building and Construction

3.2

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesThinking CreativelyInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Important abilities

Control PrecisionProblem SensitivityMultilimb CoordinationOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionDeductive Reasoning

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

47%

None / short demo

21%

3–6 months

14%

6–12 months

1–3 months

1–2 years

Related work experience

None

42%

6–12 months

20%

1–2 years

18%

1–3 months

11%

Over 10 years

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

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

Career path and how to earn more as hazardous materials removal workers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Construction Laborers Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites.	$47,120	67/100	8%
2	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.	$79,920	71/100	16%
3	Electricians Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.	$63,190	78/100	7%
4	Carpenters Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors.	$60,580	67/100	9%
5	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement.	$59,850	58/100	15%
6	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases.	$63,800	76/100	7%

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.