Employment of hazardous materials (hazmat) removal workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Employment growth will be driven by the need to safely remove and clean up hazardous materials at sites recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Recycling waste activities should also contribute to some employment growth.
In addition, with nuclear plants continuing to be decommissioned in the next decade, hazmat removal workers will be needed to decontaminate equipment, store waste, and clean up these facilities for safe closure.
Employment growth of some hazmat removal workers often depends on the amount of federal funding for cleanup projects.
Job Prospects
Overall job opportunities for hazmat removal workers should be good because of the need to replace workers who leave the occupation each year. Hazmat removal workers may face competition from those construction laborers and insulation workers who are trained to do hazmat removal or cleanups.
Applicants who have previous work experience with reactors in the U.S. Navy may have better job opportunities at nuclear facilities.
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Construction and extraction occupations
10%
Hazardous materials removal workers
7%
Total, all occupations
7%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program