Do you care about the environment and human health? Are you a strict rule follower who loves to build and make things better? Environmental engineering could be the career for you. 

What do environmental engineers do?

Environmental engineers work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control. The field encompasses a number of different disciplines, including math, chemistry, ecology, geology, hydrology, microbiology, economics, and environmental protection, according to Ballotpedia. 

Environmental engineers use their engineering skills to develop processes for ensuring infrastructure projects are following engineering principles and regulations. They help build important projects like dams, recycling systems, municipal water supply and wastewater treatment facilities, systems that help reduce industrial air pollution, and much more.

How much do environmental engineers make?

The average environmental engineer makes about $83,060 a year, according to Indeed.com. They may earn even more depending on their experience and credentials. 

How do you become an environmental engineer?

According to Indeed.com, there are four main steps to becoming an environmental engineer:

  1. Get a B.S. degree in environmental engineering from an accredited college program.
  2. Pass the FE Environmental exam specific for environmental engineering (offered through The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, or NCEES).
  3. Obtain experience in environmental engineering through an internship or entry-level job.
  4. Earn a professional engineering license, which is necessary to work for a federal, local or state consulting firms and government agencies. To obtain this, take the PE exam from the NCEES.

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