With environmental safety becoming a top priority, the demand for skilled professionals trained to handle hazardous substances is skyrocketing.
If you’re wondering how a HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) certification can shape your career, here’s some good news—it opens doors to diverse, high-impact jobs across multiple industries.
In this blog, we’ll explore 10 exciting jobs you can pursue with a HAZWOPER certification, backed by industry insights and job market trends.
1. Hazardous Waste Technician
What They Do: Handle, store, and dispose of hazardous waste materials safely while following regulatory guidelines.
With over 13 million tons of hazardous waste produced annually in the U.S., this role is critical in protecting the environment.
Salary Range: $35,000–$55,000 per year.
2. Environmental Cleanup Worker
What They Do: Clean up polluted areas, including oil spills, industrial accidents, or contaminated soil and water.
The environmental remediation industry is expected to grow by 8% by 2031.
Salary Range: $40,000–$60,000 per year.
3. Spill Response Technician
What They Do: Respond to chemical, oil, or other hazardous material spills to contain and neutralize threats.
These professionals are often on the front lines of emergency response teams.
Salary Range: $45,000–$70,000 per year.
4. Safety Specialist
What They Do: Develop and enforce workplace safety procedures in hazardous environments.
Over 5,190 workplace fatalities occurred in 2021, highlighting the need for safety experts.
Salary Range: $60,000–$90,000 per year.
5. Industrial Hygienist
What They Do: Analyze and control workplace environmental factors to protect worker health.
Certification Advantage: Many employers prefer HAZWOPER-certified candidates for this role.
Salary Range: $60,000–$100,000 per year.
6. Emergency Response Specialist
What They Do: Handle emergency situations involving hazardous substances, such as chemical leaks or biohazards.
The growing frequency of natural disasters has increased the need for trained emergency responders.
Salary Range: $50,000–$80,000 per year.
7. Demolition Worker (Asbestos Handling)
What They Do: Safely remove hazardous materials like asbestos during demolition projects.
Asbestos-related diseases still cause 39,000 deaths annually in the U.S.
Salary Range: $40,000–$70,000 per year.
8. Tank Cleaner or Maintenance Worker
What They Do: Clean and maintain storage tanks that hold hazardous materials.
Industry Highlight: Tank cleaning is vital in industries like oil and gas and chemical manufacturing.
Salary Range: $35,000–$55,000 per year.
9. Chemical Plant Worker
What They Do: Operate machinery, handle hazardous chemicals, and ensure safety in chemical and oil processing plants.
Training ensures workers are prepared to handle emergencies in facilities where hazardous materials are used.
Salary Range: $40,000–$80,000 per year.
10. Hazardous Materials Transportation
What They Do: Oversee the safe transport of hazardous materials, including chemicals, oil, and industrial waste, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
The oil and gas industry often relies on these professionals to transport crude oil, refined products, and associated chemicals without incident.
Salary Range: $40,000–$80,000 per year.
Why HAZWOPER Training Is Valuable
Broad Industry Applications: Industries like oil and gas, waste management, and construction rely heavily on HAZWOPER-trained staff.
OSHA Compliance: Employers must meet OSHA standards, making certified professionals highly sought after.
Competitive Edge: Certification differentiates candidates in a competitive job market.
Conclusion
HAZWOPER certification isn’t just a credential—it’s a gateway to rewarding careers. Whether you’re passionate about environmental protection, emergency response, or workplace safety, these roles offer a chance to make a real difference.
Ready to kickstart your career? Enroll in our HAZWOPER 40-hour training course today and take the first step toward these opportunities.
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