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Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Collects trash and recycling, cleans sewers and septic tanks, and removes hazardous materials.

Typical education to startHigh school diploma or equivalent
Job outlook2025–2035: +2%
Median pay$49,450 a year (2025)
Interest codeRC Realistic, Conventional

Read the full guide

Refuse and recycling collectors drive and ride trucks on set routes, often starting before sunrise. Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners pump tanks, clear clogged lines and inspect pipes with cameras. Hazardous materials removal workers take out asbestos, lead, mold and chemical waste while wearing protective suits. The work is physical and outdoors in all weather, and it matters: cities stop working without it.

Open the sanitation and waste worker guide

The guide checks the courses against your plan, with things to try each year. Free account needed.

High school courses that build toward it

  • Physical Education · Health and PE

    Builds teaching and training, which this job uses.

  • Chemistry · Science

    Builds chemistry, which this job uses.

  • Child Development · Career and Technical

    Builds teaching and training, which this job uses.

  • English 10 · English

    Builds reading and writing, which this job uses.

  • Government and Economics · Social Studies

    Builds law and government, which this job uses.

Ranked by how much the job relies on what each course teaches, from O*NET's knowledge ratings. Your school's own courses and the counselor have the final word.

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers on O*NET OnLine · O*NET 31.0 (U.S. Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections 2025.