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Hazardous Materials Worker

Quick Facts

Median Salary$46,266
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+20.34%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Hazardous Materials Worker assists with removing or storing hazardous materials from buildings or industrial or accident sites. Removes asbestos or lead from houses, or assists with moving and storing radioactive materials, or assists with clean up at a chemical spill.


Core Tasks:

  • Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work.
  • Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.
  • Identify asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices.
  • Prepare hazardous material for removal or storage.
  • Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.
  • Load or unload materials into containers or onto trucks, using hoists or forklifts.
  • Clean contaminated equipment or areas for reuse, using detergents or solvents, sandblasters, filter pumps, or steam cleaners.
  • Remove or limit contamination following emergencies involving hazardous substances.
  • Clean mold-contaminated sites by removing damaged porous materials or thoroughly cleaning all contaminated nonporous materials.
  • Operate machines or equipment to remove, package, store, or transport loads of waste materials.

What to expect as a Hazardous Materials Worker

1Earn a High school or GED Diploma

33% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Hazardous Materials Worker related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

611 openings for Hazardous Materials Workers

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Hazardous Materials Worker. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.