How to become an Environmental Engineer

Assesses environmental impacts for engineering projects while working with other Professionals to develop solutions for long-term environmental sustainability. Plans and designs equipment and processes for the treatment and safe disposal of waste materials.

Main tasks

• Assesses and identifies the potential environmental impacts of air, water, soil and noise levels of engineering projects
• Develops and designs equipment and sustainable processes to prevent, control or remediate environmental impacts
• Oversees and coordinates environmental management plans for engineering projects, such as hazardous waste treatment facilities and air pollution control systems, to protect the environment
• Works with Environmental Research Scientists, Urban and Regional Planners, and other Professionals to assess causes of long-term environmental problems, and to develop solutions
• Liaises with regulators, contractors and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure engineering projects meet environmental requirements and objectives
• May develop uses for renewable energy and contribute to sustainable energy planning and design
• May be involved in the development and planning of sustainable infrastructure, and implementation of environmental rating tools

Ways in

• University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology (MSS40222); Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology (MSS50222)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $137,748 a year
• About 17,100 people work in this job group now, and about 21,000 are projected by 2035. (+23%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Acoustic Engineer
• Aerospace Engineer
• Biomedical Engineer
• Engineering Technologist
• Fire Safety Engineer
• Mechatronics Engineer

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Environmental Engineer?

Ways in include: Engineering degrees; Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology; Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology.

How much does an Environmental Engineer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $137,748 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Environmental Engineer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 23% by 2035, from about 17,100 to about 21,000 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Environmental Engineer?

Usually. 95% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Environmental Engineer?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04