SOC 17-2081
Environmental Engineers
Risk Score
⚠️33/100
Moderate
US Employment
👥37,950
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$104K
$65K – $162K
Projected Growth
📈+3.9%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖78/100
High exposure
💡 Environmental Engineers face a risk score of 33/100 — 11 points below the national average of 44. With 78/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $104K ($58K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 33/100, Environmental Engineers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like ai-powered research and literature review tools are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 37,950 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in safety-critical judgment in design review and client communication and technical consultation to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Environmental Engineers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
AI-powered research and literature review tools
AI-generated written content replacing manual drafting
AI-optimized manufacturing process design
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Safety-critical judgment in design review
Client communication and technical consultation
Novel engineering design for unprecedented challenges
Cross-disciplinary collaboration on complex projects
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 71% |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | 29 | $128K | 83% |
| Chemical Engineers | 30 | $122K | 81% |