SOC 17-2081
Environmental Engineers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ33/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ37,950
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$104K
$65K โ $162K
Projected Growth
๐+3.9%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค78/100
High exposure
๐ก Environmental Engineers face a risk score of 33/100 โ 11 points below the national average of 44. With 78/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $104K ($58K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 33/100, Environmental Engineers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like ai-powered research and literature review tools are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 37,950 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in safety-critical judgment in design review and client communication and technical consultation to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Environmental Engineers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
AI-powered research and literature review tools
AI-generated written content replacing manual drafting
AI-optimized manufacturing process design
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Safety-critical judgment in design review
Client communication and technical consultation
Novel engineering design for unprecedented challenges
Cross-disciplinary collaboration on complex projects
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Design, or supervise the design of, systems, processes, or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.
Assess the existing or potential environmental impact of land use projects on air, water, or land.
Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems.
Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment.
Develop proposed project objectives and targets and report to management on progress in attaining them.
๐ป Technology Skills
Analytical or scientific software
Computer aided design CAD software
Office suite software
Object or component oriented development software
Compliance software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Engineering and Technology
Design
Chemistry
Mathematics
Building and Construction
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 71% |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | 29 | $128K | 83% |
| Chemical Engineers | 30 | $122K | 81% |