Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Hazmat removal workers typically need a high school diploma and are trained on the job. Workers may complete training that follows Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Some hazmat removal workers need federally or state-mandated training, licensing, or permits, depending on the type of waste remediation. PayThe median annual wage for hazardous materials removal workers was $49,450 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of hazardous materials removal workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 4,300 openings for hazardous materials removal workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for hazardous materials removal workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of hazardous materials removal workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about hazardous materials removal workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for hazardous materials removal workers was $49,450 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of hazardous materials removal workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 4,300 openings for hazardous materials removal workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for hazardous materials removal workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of hazardous materials removal workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about hazardous materials removal workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of hazardous materials removal workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 4,300 openings for hazardous materials removal workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for hazardous materials removal workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of hazardous materials removal workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about hazardous materials removal workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Hazardous materials removal workers identify and dispose of harmful substances such as asbestos, lead, and radioactive waste.
Work Environment
Work environments for hazmat removal workers vary. Completing projects may require night and weekend work. Overtime is common for some workers, particularly for those who respond to emergencies or disasters.
How to Become a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker
Hazmat removal workers typically need a high school diploma and are trained on the job. Workers may complete training that follows Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Some hazmat removal workers need federally or state-mandated training, licensing, or permits, depending on the type of waste remediation.
Pay
The median annual wage for hazardous materials removal workers was $49,450 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of hazardous materials removal workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 4,300 openings for hazardous materials removal workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for hazardous materials removal workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of hazardous materials removal workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about hazardous materials removal workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Work environments for hazmat removal workers vary. Completing projects may require night and weekend work. Overtime is common for some workers, particularly for those who respond to emergencies or disasters.
How to Become a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker
Hazmat removal workers typically need a high school diploma and are trained on the job. Workers may complete training that follows Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Some hazmat removal workers need federally or state-mandated training, licensing, or permits, depending on the type of waste remediation.
Pay
The median annual wage for hazardous materials removal workers was $49,450 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of hazardous materials removal workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 4,300 openings for hazardous materials removal workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for hazardous materials removal workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of hazardous materials removal workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about hazardous materials removal workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for hazardous materials removal workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of hazardous materials removal workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about hazardous materials removal workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about hazardous materials removal workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.