What's the highest paying job in waste management?

Posted by Trashcans Unlimited Team on 14th Feb 2023

In this article, we will explore the top 10 highest paying jobs in waste management in 2023, providing you with detailed information on each of these jobs and the skills required to succeed in them. Waste management is a growing industry in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the waste management and remediation services sector is projected to grow 10 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due in part to increased emphasis on environmental sustainability and waste reduction, as well as the increasing amount of waste generated by a growing population. As waste management becomes more important, the need for skilled workers in the industry will continue to rise.

In addition, many waste management companies are expanding their services to include recycling, composting, and other environmentally friendly practices. This means that there are also opportunities for growth and advancement within the industry. As such, the waste management industry in the United States is expected to see continued growth in the coming years, providing job opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in this field.

#1 - Waste Management Engineer

A waste management engineer is responsible for designing and implementing waste management systems that are safe and efficient. The average salary for a waste management engineer in 2023 is $95,000 per year.

#2 - Waste Management Project Manager

A waste management project manager is responsible for overseeing waste management projects from start to finish, including planning, budgeting, and implementation. The average salary for a waste management project manager in 2023 is $85,000 per year.

#3 - Waste Management Consultant

A waste management consultant provides expert advice and guidance to businesses and governments on how to manage their waste in a sustainable and efficient manner. The average salary for a waste management consultant in 2023 is $80,000 per year.

#4 - Environmental Engineer

An environmental engineer is responsible for designing and implementing environmental solutions that minimize waste and reduce pollution. The average salary for an environmental engineer in 2023 is $75,000 per year.

#5 - Recycling Coordinator

A recycling coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing recycling programs for businesses and governments. The average salary for a recycling coordinator in 2023 is $60,000 per year.

#6 - Waste Reduction Manager

A waste reduction manager is responsible for developing and implementing waste reduction programs that minimize waste and reduce costs. The average salary for a waste reduction manager in 2023 is $55,000 per year.

#7 - Hazardous Waste Manager

A hazardous waste manager is responsible for overseeing the disposal of hazardous waste in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. The average salary for a hazardous waste manager in 2023 is $50,000 per year.

#8 - Waste Collection Manager

A waste collection manager is responsible for managing waste collection services for businesses and governments. The average salary for a waste collection manager in 2023 is $45,000 per year.

#9 - Waste Treatment Operator

A waste treatment operator is responsible for operating and maintaining waste treatment equipment, ensuring that it operates safely and efficiently. The average salary for a waste treatment operator in 2023 is $40,000 per year.

#10 - Waste Collector

A waste collector is responsible for collecting waste from businesses and households and transporting it to disposal sites. The average salary for a waste collector in 2023 is $35,000 per year.

So what do the five highest paid waste management jobs do?

1) What do Waste Management Engineers do?

Waste management engineers are responsible for designing and implementing waste management systems that are safe and efficient. They work to minimize the impact of waste on the environment and public health by developing and managing waste treatment and disposal systems.

Some of the tasks that waste management engineers may perform include:

Analyzing waste materials to determine the best method of disposal or treatment
Developing plans for waste collection, transport, and disposal
Designing and overseeing the construction of waste management facilities, such as landfills or incinerators
Conducting environmental impact assessments to determine the potential effects of waste management systems on the environment and public health
Monitoring waste management facilities to ensure they operate safely and comply with environmental regulations
Developing and implementing programs to reduce waste generation and promote recycling and composting
Collaborating with other professionals, such as environmental scientists and public health officials, to address waste management issues

Overall, waste management engineers play a critical role in ensuring that waste is managed safely and efficiently, and that the environmental impact of waste is minimized.

2) What do Waste Management Project Managers Do?

Waste Management Project Managers are responsible for overseeing waste management projects from start to finish. They coordinate all aspects of a project, from planning and budgeting to implementation and evaluation, to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required standard of quality.

Some of the tasks that Waste Management Project Managers may perform include:

Developing project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource requirements
Identifying and managing project risks and issues
Ensuring that all project stakeholders are kept informed of project progress and any changes to the project plan
Coordinating project team members and external contractors or consultants
Conducting project meetings and providing progress reports to senior management
Ensuring that project outcomes are evaluated and that lessons learned are captured for future projects
Ensuring that all project work complies with environmental and health and safety regulations.
Waste Management Project Managers must have excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects at once. They also need a strong understanding of waste management practices and regulations, as well as experience in project management methodologies.

Waste management project managers play a critical role in ensuring that waste management projects are completed successfully and in accordance with environmental regulations and industry best practices.

3) What Do Waste Management Consultants Do?

Waste Management Consultants are experts in waste management who provide advice and guidance to businesses, governments, and other organizations on how to manage their waste in a sustainable and efficient manner. They help clients to develop waste management strategies that minimize waste generation, reduce costs, and comply with environmental regulations.

Some of the tasks that Waste Management Consultants may perform include:

Conducting waste audits to identify opportunities for waste reduction, recycling, and composting
Developing waste management plans and policies that are tailored to the specific needs of clients
Providing technical advice on waste treatment and disposal technologies, including landfill design, composting, and incineration
Conducting environmental impact assessments to determine the potential effects of waste management activities on the environment and public health
Conducting market research and feasibility studies for waste management projects
Providing training to staff on waste management best practices
Collaborating with other professionals, such as engineers and environmental scientists, to address waste management issues
Waste management consultants must have a strong understanding of waste management practices and regulations, as well as excellent communication and analytical skills. They must also keep up-to-date with changes in waste management technology and legislation in order to provide clients with the most up-to-date advice and recommendations.

Overall, Waste management consultants play an important role in helping organizations to manage their waste in a sustainable and efficient manner, while also ensuring compliance with environmental regulations

4) What do environmental engineers do?

Environmental engineers are responsible for developing and implementing environmental solutions that minimize waste and reduce pollution. They use their knowledge of engineering, chemistry, biology, and environmental science to design and implement systems that protect the environment and public health.

Some of the tasks that environmental engineers may perform include:

Developing and implementing pollution control technologies, such as air or water filtration systems
Conducting environmental impact assessments to determine the potential effects of development projects on the environment and public health
Designing and implementing environmental remediation projects to clean up contaminated sites
Developing and implementing waste management systems that minimize waste and promote recycling and composting
Collaborating with other professionals, such as scientists, lawyers, and public health officials, to address environmental issues
Conducting research to develop new environmental technologies and improve existing ones
Providing technical support to organizations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations
Environmental engineers must have a strong understanding of environmental science and engineering principles, as well as excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. They must also keep up-to-date with changes in environmental regulations and technology in order to provide the most effective solutions for their clients.

Overall, environmental engineers play a critical role in protecting the environment and public health by developing and implementing solutions that reduce pollution and waste.

5) What do recycling coordinators do?

Recycling coordinators are responsible for developing and implementing recycling programs for businesses and governments. They work to promote recycling as a way to reduce waste and protect the environment.

Some of the tasks that recycling coordinators may perform include:

Developing and implementing recycling programs for businesses and governments
Educating the public about the benefits of recycling and how to recycle properly
Conducting waste audits to identify opportunities for waste reduction and recycling
Developing marketing materials to promote recycling programs
Collaborating with other professionals, such as waste management consultants and environmental scientists, to develop and implement recycling programs
Providing training to staff on recycling best practices
Collecting and analyzing data on recycling program performance and making recommendations for improvement
Recycling coordinators must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a strong understanding of recycling and waste management principles. They must also be able to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including business owners, government officials, and members of the public.

Overall, recycling coordinators play a critical role in promoting recycling as a way to reduce waste and protect the environment.

Searching for a Bright New Future

For anyone on the job hunt, or looking at future careers there are many high-paying jobs in the waste management industry. From waste management engineers to waste collectors, each of these jobs plays a critical role in keeping our planet clean and healthy. If you are interested in pursuing a career in waste management, we hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights into the top 10 highest paying jobs in this field.