How Much Do Hazmat Removal Workers Make?
Hazmat Removal Workers identify and safely remove asbestos, lead, radioactive waste, and other hazardous materials. Official pay data from the BLS May 2025 wage survey.
The median hazmat removal worker salary is $49,450 per year — 3% below the $50,980 median for all U.S. occupations. About 51,710 people work in this trade nationwide.
Pay by percentile
| Percentile | Annual wage | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $38,460 | Entry level / lowest-paid areas |
| 25th | $44,720 | Early career |
| 50th — median | $49,450 | The typical worker |
| 75th | $61,530 | Experienced |
| 90th | $82,410 | Top earners / highest-paid areas |
Lifetime earnings potential
At today's median wage, here is what a career as a hazmat removal worker adds up to (in constant 2025 dollars, before raises or promotions — a conservative floor, not a projection):
| Career length | At the median ($49,450/yr) | In the top 10% ($82,410/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 years | $494,500 | $824,100 |
| 20 years | $989,000 | $1,648,200 |
| 30 years | $1,483,500 | $2,472,300 |
Reaching the top 10% instead of the median is worth $988,800 over a 30-year career — usually the gap between entry-level work and specialization, licenses, or high-paying states. Compare this trade against any other with the trade comparison tool.
Frequently asked questions
- How much do hazmat removal workers make?
- The median annual wage for hazardous materials removal workers is $49,450 (BLS OES, May 2025). The middle 50% earn between $44,720 and $61,530.
- What do the top hazmat removal workers earn?
- The top 10% of hazmat removal workers earn $82,410 or more per year, while the bottom 10% earn $38,460 or less.
- Is $49,450 good pay?
- It is 3% below the median for all U.S. occupations ($50,980, BLS May 2025).