Hazardous Materials Specialist

Impact: Safety and Environmental Protection

Identifies, handles, stores, and disposes of hazardous materials, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and environmental protection standards. Responds to spills and emergencies involving dangerous substances.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Moderate
Team vs solo
Team-oriented
Client facing
Sometimes
Impact visibility
High
Travel
Moderate
Schedule flexibility
Rigid
Remote work
Limited Remote
Typical work hours
40-50
Stress level
High

At a glance

Median salary
$75,000
Entry-level
$55,000
Senior
$100,000
Growth by 2033
8%
Demand
Growing
Freelance potential
Low
Salary growth potential
High
Typical student debt
$30,000 - $50,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Hazardous Waste Management
  • Environmental Regulations
  • Emergency Response

Soft skills

  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication

Technical complexity: High

How to get there

Minimum education
Bachelor's degree
Licensing
Yes
Years to mid-career
5
Years to senior
10
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Environmental Scientist, Safety Manager, Regulatory Affairs Specialist

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      0.15
      AI disruption risk
      Low
      Demand trend
      Growing

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      4/10
      Meaning
      4/10
      Work-life balance
      3.5/10
      Prestige
      6.5/10
      Social perception
      High

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