What is a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker?
Example of Hazardous Materials Removal Worker Job Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.
A Day in the Life of a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker
- Operate machines or equipment to remove, package, store, or transport loads of waste materials.
- Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.
- Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work.
- Mix or pour concrete into forms to encase waste material for disposal.
- Remove or limit contamination following emergencies involving hazardous substances.
- Apply bioremediation techniques to hazardous wastes to allow naturally occurring bacteria to break down toxic substances.
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Hazardous Materials Removal Worker Required Skills
These are the skills Hazardous Materials Removal Workers say are the most useful in their careers:
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles
- Team Driver
- Hazmat Technician (Hazardous Materials Technician)
- Decontamination / Decommissioning Operator (D & D Operator)
- Irradiated Fuel Handler
- Asbestos Abatement Worker
Is There Job Demand for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 46,200 jobs in the United States for Hazardous Materials Removal Worker. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 17.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7,900 new jobs for Hazardous Materials Removal Worker by 2026. The BLS estimates 6,700 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Hazardous Materials Removal Worker are Utah, Wyoming, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Michigan, Pennsylvania, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Hazardous Materials Removal Workers Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers ranges between about $27,910 and $75,840 a year.

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers who work in New York, Washington, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Hazardous Materials Removal Workers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $43,720 |
Alaska | $64,460 |
Arizona | $36,620 |
Arkansas | $33,140 |
California | $49,470 |
Colorado | $41,170 |
Connecticut | $41,060 |
Delaware | $41,420 |
District of Columbia | $41,510 |
Florida | $38,680 |
Georgia | $43,450 |
Hawaii | $58,120 |
Illinois | $57,570 |
Indiana | $43,320 |
Iowa | $39,970 |
Kansas | $35,780 |
Kentucky | $44,180 |
Louisiana | $38,910 |
Maine | $37,650 |
Maryland | $41,210 |
Massachusetts | $48,780 |
Michigan | $44,700 |
Minnesota | $45,580 |
Mississippi | $36,020 |
Missouri | $50,290 |
Montana | $46,950 |
Nebraska | $43,870 |
Nevada | $42,160 |
New Hampshire | $45,030 |
New Jersey | $56,860 |
New Mexico | $57,780 |
New York | $61,780 |
North Carolina | $29,420 |
North Dakota | $54,940 |
Ohio | $48,370 |
Oklahoma | $40,540 |
Oregon | $45,440 |
Pennsylvania | $48,640 |
Rhode Island | $46,330 |
South Carolina | $33,310 |
South Dakota | $38,040 |
Tennessee | $59,470 |
Texas | $39,610 |
Utah | $43,770 |
Vermont | $37,250 |
Virginia | $39,250 |
Washington | $62,040 |
West Virginia | $36,750 |
Wisconsin | $39,310 |
Wyoming | $50,240 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Hazardous Materials Removal Workers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Presentation software
- Internet browser software
- Computerized maintenance management system software CMMS
How do I Become a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker?

Where Hazardous Materials Removal Workers Are Employed

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers work in the following industries:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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