Environmental Engineering?

[mellow]

<p>Can anyone in this field or anyone pursuing this major give me some insight on anything regarding env. engineering, including the salaries? I know that environmental is usually grouped together with civil.</p>

<p>I’ve read some articles stating that the demand for env. engineering jobs are rising/will be rising shortly because of our whole awareness of global warming, pollution, etc.</p>

<p>Also, how do the salaries of env/civil engineers compare to other engineering fields, such as electrical? Do they start around 50-60k then max out at about 100-110k or what? I am going to college next year and my parents are wary of me going into environmental because in their opinion, it’s not where the money’s at. yeah. Asian parents, go figure. :p</p>

[Corbett]

<p>From the Bureau of Labor Statistics [occupational</a> outlook](<a href=“http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm]occupational”>http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm):

Environmental engineers should have favorable job opportunities. Employment of environmental engineers is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. More environmental engineers will be needed to comply with environmental regulations and to develop methods of cleaning up existing hazards. A shift in emphasis toward preventing problems rather than controlling those that already exist, as well as increasing public health concerns, also will spur demand for environmental engineers. Even though employment of environmental engineers should be less affected by economic conditions than that of most other types of engineers, a significant economic downturn could reduce the emphasis on environmental protection, reducing environmental engineers’ job opportunities.

This site also lists projected salaries. In general, EnvE salaries are slightly lower than those in EE. Two points should be kept in mind when comparing salaries. First, EnvEs are probably much more likely than EEs to work for government agencies. Public sector engineers typically have lower salaries than private sector engineers, but they also typically have better benefits. Second, EnvEs are probably much more likely to work outside major urban centers than EEs. The salaries in smaller cities, towns, and rural areas are generally lower than those in the urban areas, but the costs of living are generally much lower as well. </p>

<p>In general, EnvE jobs are probably more “secure” than EE jobs. As noted above, the need for things like clean water and sewage treatment is relatively constant, so EnvEs are less likely to be affected by economic downturns or company failures. Furthermore, EnvEs generally aren’t affected by foreign competition; for example, it is neither technically nor politically feasible to have US water systems managed by engineers overseas. </p>

<p>As an EnvE, it’s probably less likely that you would score a huge financial jackpot developing some hot new product. On the other hand, as an EnvE you would be less likely to get laid off or see your job outsourced.</p>

[mellow]

<p>Thanks! (10 char)</p>