### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			hazardous materials removal workers imageWorkers dispose of hazardous materials.							
						Quick Facts:     Hazardous Materials Removal Workers2023     Median Pay
            						$47,280     per year
										$22.73     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    High school diploma or equivalentWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    Moderate-term on-the-job trainingNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    48,700Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    1% (Little or no change)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    400What Hazardous Materials Removal Workers 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 $47,280 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of hazardous materials removal workers is projected to show little or no change							 from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite  limited  employment growth, about 5,200 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 Hazardous Materials Removal Workers Do 
            

			Hazardous materials removal workersHazmat removal workers remove, neutralize, or clean up hazardous materials.			
Hazardous materials (hazmat) removal workers identify and dispose of harmful substances, such as asbestos, lead, mold, and radioactive waste. They also neutralize and clean up materials that are flammable, corrosive, or toxic.
Duties
Hazmat removal workers typically do the following:
Follow safety procedures before, during, and after cleanup
Comply with state and federal laws regarding waste disposal
Test hazardous materials to determine the proper way to clean up
Construct scaffolding or build containment areas before cleaning up
Remove, neutralize, or clean up hazardous materials that are found or spilled
Clean contaminated tools and equipment for reuse
Package, transport, or store hazardous materials
Keep records of cleanup activitiesHazmat removal workers clean up materials that are harmful to people and the environment. They usually work in teams and follow strict instructions and guidelines. The specific duties of hazmat removal workers depend on the substances that are targeted and the location of the cleanup. For example, some workers remove and treat radioactive materials generated by nuclear facilities and power plants. They break down contaminated items such as “glove boxes,” which are used to process radioactive materials, and they clean and decontaminate facilities that are closed or decommissioned (taken out of service).
Hazmat removal workers may clean up hazardous materials in response to natural or human-made disasters and accidents, such as those involving trains, trucks, or other vehicles transporting hazardous materials.
Workers dealing with radiation may also measure, record, and report radiation levels; operate high-pressure cleaning equipment for decontamination; and package radioactive materials for removal or storage.
In addition, workers may prepare and transport hazardous materials for treatment, storage, or disposal following U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Using equipment such as forklifts, earthmoving machinery, and trucks, workers move materials from contaminated sites to incinerators, landfills, or storage facilities. They also organize and track the locations of items in these facilities.
***Asbestos abatement workers***and ***lead abatement workers*** remove asbestos and lead, respectively, from buildings and structures, particularly those being renovated or demolished. Most of this work is in older buildings that were originally built with asbestos insulation and lead-based paints—both of which are now banned.
Asbestos and lead abatement workers apply chemicals to surfaces, such as walls and ceilings, in order to soften asbestos or remove lead-based paint. Once the chemicals are applied, workers remove asbestos from the surfaces or strip the walls. They package the residue or paint chips and place them in approved bags or containers for proper disposal. Asbestos abatement workers use scrapers or vacuums to remove asbestos from buildings. Lead abatement workers operate sandblasters, high-pressure water sprayers, and other tools to remove paint.
 Work Environment
			Hazardous materials removal workersHazmat removal workers wear protective clothing to reduce exposure to toxic materials.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Hazardous materials removal workers held about 48,700 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of hazardous materials removal workers were as follows:
        Remediation and other waste management services
                62%Waste treatment and disposal
                10Construction
                6Working conditions vary with the hazardous material being removed. For example, workers removing lead or asbestos often spend time in confined spaces or at great heights and must bend or stoop to remove the material. Workers responding to emergency and disaster scenarios may be outside in all types of weather.
Asbestos and lead abatement workers typically are in buildings being renovated or torn down, or in confined spaces.
Hazmat removal work may be physically demanding and strenuous.
Injuries and Illnesses
Cleaning or removing hazardous materials is dangerous, and workers must follow specific safety procedures to avoid injuries and illnesses. They usually work in teams and follow instructions from a team leader or site supervisor.
Workers wear coveralls, gloves, shoe covers, and safety glasses or goggles to reduce their exposure to harmful materials. Some must wear fully closed protective suits for several hours at a time, which may be hot and uncomfortable. For extremely toxic cleanups, hazmat removal workers also are required to wear respirators to protect themselves from airborne particles or noxious gases. Lead abatement workers wear personal air monitors that measure the amount of lead exposure.
Work Schedules
Most hazmat removal workers are employed full time. Overtime is common for some workers, especially for those who respond to emergency and disaster scenarios.
Some hazmat removal workers travel to areas affected by a disaster. During a cleanup, workers may be away from home for several days or weeks until the project is completed.
 How to Become a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker

			Hazardous materials removal workersHazmat removal workers learn on the job.			
Hazardous materials (hazmat) removal workers typically need a high school diploma and are trained on the job. They must complete training that follows federal, state, and local standards.
Education
Hazmat removal workers typically need a high school diploma.
Training
Hazmat removal workers receive training on the job. Training generally includes a combination of technical instruction and fieldwork. For technical training, they learn safety procedures and the proper use of personal protective equipment. Onsite, they learn about equipment and chemicals and are supervised by an experienced worker.
The length of training and the information covered in training varies, depending on regulatory requirements and type of hazardous material that a worker is being trained to remove or reduce.
Employers may require workers to have completed OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) training. The training covers health hazards, personal protective equipment, site safety, recognizing and identifying hazards, and decontamination. Refresher training may be required periodically.
To work with a specific hazardous material, workers must complete training requirements and work requirements set by state or federal agencies on handling that material.
Workers who treat asbestos or lead, the most common contaminants, must complete an employer-sponsored training program that covers technical and safety subjects outlined by OSHA.
Workers at nuclear facilities receive extensive training. In addition to completing HAZWOPER training, workers must take courses on nuclear materials and radiation safety as mandated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Organizations and companies provide training through programs that are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Apprenticeships, such as Construction Craft Laborer through the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), provide training, hands-on instruction, and certification tests for hazmat workers.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Some states require workers to have permits or licenses for each type of hazardous waste they remove, particularly asbestos and lead. Workers who transport hazardous materials may need a state or federal permit.
License requirements vary by state, but candidates typically must meet the following criteria:
Be at least 18 years old
Complete training mandated by a state or federal agency
Pass a written examTo maintain licensure, workers must take continuing education courses each year. For more information, check with the state’s licensing agency.
Some certifications, such as for HAZWOPER training, may be required. Others, such as Department of Transportation (DOT) hazmat transportation certification, are optional but may lead to more employment opportunities.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Hazmat materials removal workers typically do not need related experience to enter the occupation. However, some employers prefer candidates who have experience in the construction trades—workers such as construction laborers and helpers—or in military careers.
Advancement
Hazmat removal workers may advance to become a supervisor after gaining experience and completing additional training, such as the OSHA HAZWOPER supervisor training. Workers also may advance to different positions within their industry, such as a radiation safety technician later becoming a supervisor in the nuclear power industry. After gaining experience, workers also may choose to start their own hazmat removal business.
Important Qualities
***Decision-making skills.*** Hazmat removal workers identify materials in a spill or leak and choose the proper method for safe cleanup.
***Detail oriented.*** Hazmat removal workers must follow safety procedures, understand laws and regulations, and keep records of their work.
***Mechanical skills.*** Hazmat removal workers may operate heavy equipment to clean up contaminated sites and set up machinery needed for remediation.
***Physical stamina.*** Workers may have to stand and scrub equipment or surfaces for hours at a time to remove toxic materials.
***Physical strength.*** Some hazmat removal workers lift and move heavy pieces of materials they are removing from a site.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Hazardous Materials Removal WorkersMedian annual wages, May 2023Construction and extraction occupations$55,680  Total, all occupations$48,060  Hazardous materials removal workers$47,280Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for hazardous materials removal workers was $47,280 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,550, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $81,610.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for hazardous materials removal workers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Construction
                $50,880Remediation and other waste management services
                47,270Waste treatment and disposal
                46,460Apprentices are paid less than fully trained hazmat removal workers. Apprentices receive pay increases as they advance through the apprenticeship program.
Most hazmat removal workers are employed full time. Overtime is common for some workers, especially for those who respond to emergency and disaster situations.
Some hazmat removal workers travel to areas affected by a disaster. During a cleanup, workers may be away from home for several days or weeks until the project is completed.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
               Hazardous Materials Removal WorkersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Construction and extraction occupations3%  Total, all occupations3%  Hazardous materials removal workers1%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of hazardous materials removal workers is projected to show little or no change				 from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite  limited  employment growth, about 5,200 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.
			Employment
	
			
Employment growth will be driven by the need to safely remove and clean up hazardous materials (hazmat) at sites recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. However, funding for these activities may be sporadic; furthermore, construction laborers also perform some hazmat cleanup, offsetting demand for hazardous materials removal workers.
As nuclear plants are decommissioned, hazmat removal workers also will be needed to decontaminate equipment, store waste, and clean up these facilities for safe closure. However, some of the planned decommissioning activities have been delayed by the recent extension of site licenses.
			

                        Employment projections data for     hazardous materials removal workers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Hazardous materials removal workers**
			47-4041
			48,700
			49,100
			1
			400
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Hazardous materials removal workers **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of hazardous materials removal workers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Construction Laborers and Helpers**
            Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites.
            See How to Become One
            $44,310**Firefighters**
            Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies involving life, property, or the environment.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $57,120**Insulation Workers**
            Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings or mechanical systems.
            See How to Become One
            $49,350**Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators**
            Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of machines to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $54,890
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about hazardous materials removal workers in the construction industry, including information on training, visit
Laborers’ International Union of North America
For more information about working in the nuclear industry, visit
Nuclear Energy Institute
For information about training and regulations mandated by federal agencies, visit
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Department of Transportation
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Hazardous Materials Removal Workers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/hazardous-materials-removal-workers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics**
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