Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.
Also called: Abatement Worker, Asbestos Abatement Worker, Asbestos Coverer, Asbestos Handler, Asbestos Remover, Asbestos Technician (Asbestos Tech)
Median pay
$49,450
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$38,460 – $82,410
People employed
51,710
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Are you OK with hours that change?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Long hours on your feet
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What hazardous materials removal workers do
- 01Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.
- 02Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work.
- 03Prepare hazardous material for removal or storage.
- 04Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.
- 05Identify asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices.
- 06Record numbers of containers stored at disposal sites, specifying amounts or types of equipment or waste disposed.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Stress Tolerance
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from hazardous materials removal workers
- Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters86% · +24%
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall85% · −1%
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors83% · 0%
- Recycling and Reclamation Workers82% · group pay
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators81% · +21%
Change into hazardous materials removal workers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Recycling and Reclamation Workers88% · $40,240
- Pest Control Workers83% · $45,250
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors83% · $49,690
- Aircraft Service Attendants80% · $40,450
- Floor Sanders and Finishers79% · $50,440
Majors that lead here
- Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.