What Do Hazardous Materials Removal Worker Do?
Hazardous Materials Removal Worker Example 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.
Hazardous Materials Removal Worker Responsibilities
- Drive trucks or other heavy equipment to convey contaminated waste to designated sea or ground locations.
- Sort specialized hazardous waste at landfills or disposal centers, following proper disposal procedures.
- Remove or limit contamination following emergencies involving hazardous substances.
- Clean contaminated equipment or areas for re-use, using detergents or solvents, sandblasters, filter pumps, or steam cleaners.
- Operate cranes to move or load baskets, casks, or canisters.
- Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.
Featured schools near , edit
Skills Needed to be a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker
Below is a list of the skills most Hazardous Materials Removal Workers say are important on the job.
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
- Waste Handling Technician
- Site Worker
- Team Driver
- Material Handling Technician
- Asbestos Worker
Are There Job Opportunities for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers?
There were about 46,200 jobs for Hazardous Materials Removal Worker in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 6,700 job openings in this field each year.

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.
Average Hazardous Materials Removal Workers Salary
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers make between $27,910 and $75,840 a year.

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers who work in New York, Washington, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers 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 |
What Tools do Hazardous Materials Removal Workers Use?
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
Becoming a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker
What kind of Hazardous Materials Removal Worker requirements are there?

What work experience do I need to become a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker?

Who Employs Hazardous Materials Removal Workers?

Below are examples of industries where Hazardous Materials Removal Workers work:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker may also be interested in:
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.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |