How much does a hazardous materials removal worker make?
The median hazardous materials removal worker in the United States earns $49,450 per year, about $23.78 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all hazardous materials removal workers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 47-4041.
Hazardous materials removal worker salary range
Pay for hazardous materials removal workers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $38,460 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $82,410. The average (mean) wage of $56,430 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,460 | $18.49 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $44,720 | $21.50 | |
| Median (50th) | $49,450 | $23.78 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $61,530 | $29.58 | |
| 90th percentile | $82,410 | $39.62 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for hazardous materials removal workers (SOC 47-4041), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Hazardous materials removal worker salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Hazardous materials removal workers earn the most in New York at $73,090 a year, and the least in Arkansas at $36,630. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $73,090 | 4,090 |
| Illinois | $61,330 | 1,980 |
| Alaska | $60,320 | 140 |
| District of Columbia | $60,240 | 50 |
| North Dakota | $60,160 | 170 |
| Washington | $60,160 | 3,250 |
| Tennessee | $60,090 | 570 |
| Colorado | $59,920 | 1,400 |
| Missouri | $59,120 | 370 |
| Minnesota | $59,100 | 730 |
| Hawaii | $58,440 | 340 |
| California | $56,120 | 7,340 |
| New Jersey | $55,900 | 2,250 |
| New Hampshire | $55,310 | 140 |
| Montana | $54,540 | 250 |
| New Mexico | $53,440 | 680 |
| South Dakota | $51,420 | 190 |
| Arizona | $50,530 | 800 |
| Iowa | $49,870 | 270 |
| Oregon | $49,720 | 1,130 |
| Idaho | $49,710 | 600 |
| Massachusetts | $49,620 | 2,770 |
| Utah | $49,240 | 530 |
| South Carolina | $49,170 | 870 |
| Georgia | $48,960 | 460 |
| Maryland | $48,640 | 660 |
| Wyoming | $48,570 | 30 |
| Nebraska | $48,540 | 210 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,860 | 1,590 |
| Wisconsin | $47,750 | 590 |
| Kentucky | $47,640 | 460 |
| Nevada | $47,520 | 400 |
| Maine | $47,280 | 190 |
| Connecticut | $47,090 | 750 |
| Vermont | $46,780 | 70 |
| Indiana | $46,680 | 990 |
| Rhode Island | $46,670 | 330 |
| Ohio | $46,620 | 830 |
| West Virginia | $46,390 | 130 |
| Michigan | $46,380 | 1,610 |
| Kansas | $45,530 | 480 |
| Virginia | $45,320 | 930 |
| Texas | $44,390 | 4,450 |
| Oklahoma | $44,300 | 650 |
| Delaware | $44,250 | N/A |
| North Carolina | $43,180 | 1,250 |
| Florida | $42,350 | 1,780 |
| Mississippi | $39,440 | 250 |
| Alabama | $38,610 | 350 |
| Louisiana | $38,000 | 880 |
| Arkansas | $36,630 | 440 |
State median wages for hazardous materials removal workers (SOC 47-4041), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for hazardous materials removal workers
The BLS projects employment of hazardous materials removal workers to grow 1.5% from 2025 to 2035. That is slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 52,700 jobs in 2025 moving toward 53,500 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 4,300 openings a year for hazardous materials removal workers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a hazardous materials removal worker
The typical entry-level education for hazardous materials removal workers is a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete moderate-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a hazardous materials removal worker earns
Experience, licensing, certifications, region, and overtime move these numbers the most. A licensed, experienced worker in a high cost metro or a strong union market lands near the top of the range, while apprentices and workers in rural areas start closer to the bottom.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (New York, $73,090) and the lowest (Arkansas, $36,630) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 51,710 people work as hazardous materials removal workers in the United States. At $49,450 a year, the job pays below the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Hazardous materials removal worker salary FAQ
How much does a hazardous materials removal worker make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a hazardous materials removal worker is $23.78. The middle half of hazardous materials removal workers earn between $21.50 and $29.58 per hour.
What is the highest hazardous materials removal worker salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of hazardous materials removal workers earn more than $82,410 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a hazardous materials removal worker make a year?
The median annual salary for a hazardous materials removal worker is $49,450. The average (mean) wage of $56,430 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a hazardous materials removal worker a well paid job?
At $49,450 a year, a hazardous materials removal worker earns below the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 51,710 people work as hazardous materials removal workers in the United States.
Which state pays hazardous materials removal workers the most?
New York has the highest median salary for hazardous materials removal workers at $73,090 a year. Illinois ($61,330) and Alaska ($60,320) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a hazardous materials removal worker a good career?
Employment of hazardous materials removal workers is projected to grow 1.5% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 4,300 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a hazardous materials removal worker?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for hazardous materials removal workers as a high school diploma or equivalent, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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