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Safety & Environmental career
Hazardous Materials Technician
Also called: Hazmat Technician · Hazardous Materials Removal Worker · Asbestos Abatement Worker · Environmental Remediation Technician
What hazardous materials technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a hazardous materials technician do?
Hazardous materials technicians identify, remove, package, transport and dispose of hazardous substances (such as asbestos, lead, mold, chemicals and contaminated soil) while protecting themselves, the public and the environment. The median pay is $49,450 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–4 weeks of required training, and employment is projected to grow +1.5% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$49,450$23.78/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+1.5%2025–35, slower than average
- Openings per year4,300Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train1–4 weeks of required trainingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs52,700Employment, 2025
What hazardous materials technicians do
Hazmat technicians work on demolition and renovation projects, contaminated sites, industrial cleanups and emergency spills. They set up containment, wear respirators and protective suits, remove hazardous materials using controlled methods, decontaminate equipment and package waste for legal disposal.
Federal OSHA rules require specific training before you work on hazardous waste sites, typically the 40-hour HAZWOPER course with annual refreshers, and asbestos and lead work require separate state-accredited training and licenses. Training is short, but the procedures must be followed exactly.
Typical duties
- Set up regulated areas, containment and decontamination zones
- Identify hazardous materials and review safety data and site plans
- Remove asbestos, lead paint, mold or contaminated materials using approved methods
- Wear and maintain respirators and chemical protective clothing
- Decontaminate workers, tools and equipment
- Package, label and document hazardous waste for transport
- Operate air monitoring, HEPA and negative-air equipment
Work environment and schedule
Hazmat technicians work at demolition and renovation sites, industrial facilities, contaminated land and emergency scenes. They wear heavy PPE in hot, confined or uncomfortable conditions and must follow strict procedures to avoid exposure.
Schedule: Full-time, sometimes with overtime, night work or travel. Emergency response work can mean callouts at any time.
A day in the life
- Pre-shift meeting on today’s asbestos abatement in a school boiler room and review the site safety plan.
- Inspect respirators, perform user seal checks and suit up.
- Verify the negative-air machines are running and the containment is intact.
- Wet and remove pipe insulation using glove bags and place waste in labeled, sealed bags.
See a full day in the life of a hazardous materials technician →
Hazardous Materials Technician salary
Half of hazardous materials technicians earned more than $49,450 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $38,460 for the lowest 10% to $82,410 for the top 10%.
Full hazardous materials technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a hazardous materials technician
- Meet basic requirements
- Complete HAZWOPER training
- Get specialty licenses
- Pass medical clearance and fit testing
- Advance
A high school diploma is typical. Workers must complete required training before working: OSHA HAZWOPER (commonly 40 hours plus supervised field experience and an 8-hour annual refresher) and, for asbestos or lead, state-accredited courses and licenses.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a hazardous materials technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- HAZWOPER procedures
- Respirator use and maintenance
- Containment and negative-air setup
- Decontamination
- Waste packaging and labeling
People skills
- Discipline with procedures
- Teamwork
- Physical endurance
- Attention to detail
All hazardous materials technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Short training to enter the field
- Important work protecting people and the environment
- Overtime and travel can boost pay
- Paths into supervision and environmental careers
Cons
- Hot, heavy PPE and physically demanding work
- Serious health risks if procedures aren’t followed
- Projects vary, sometimes irregular work
- Ongoing medical surveillance and training requirements
Certifications and licenses
- OSHA HAZWOPER 40-hour: Required training for most hazardous waste site workers (29 CFR 1910.120), with an 8-hour annual refresher.
- Asbestos abatement worker license: State-accredited training (under EPA’s model accreditation plan) and state licensing.
- Lead abatement worker certification: EPA or state-authorized certification for lead-based paint abatement.
- Respirator fit test and medical clearance: Required before wearing tight-fitting respirators.
Career path
- Hazmat or Abatement Worker: Perform removal and cleanup work.
- Lead Technician or Competent Person: Lead crews and oversee procedures.
- Abatement Supervisor or Site Safety Officer: Manage projects and safety plans.
- Environmental Project Manager: Plan and run remediation projects.
Learn the job before day one
Our Hazardous Materials Technician training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as perform a respirator user seal check and set up site work zones, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Hazmat Technician vs. Environmental Technician · Hazmat Technician vs. Safety Specialist · Hazmat Technician vs. Construction Laborer · Hazmat Technician vs. Firefighter
Hazardous Materials Technician FAQ
What training do hazmat technicians need?
Most need OSHA HAZWOPER training (commonly the 40-hour course with field experience and annual refreshers). Asbestos and lead work require separate state-accredited training and licenses.
Is hazmat work dangerous?
It involves real health risks, which is why training, PPE, medical surveillance and strict procedures are required.
Where do hazmat technicians work?
Abatement and remediation contractors, environmental firms, industrial facilities, government agencies and emergency response organizations.
How much does a hazardous materials technician make?
The median annual wage for hazardous materials technicians was $49,450 ($23.78 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,460 and the highest 10% earned more than $82,410.
How long does it take to become a hazardous materials technician?
Most people need about 1–4 weeks of required training of training. A high school diploma is typical. Workers must complete required training before working: OSHA HAZWOPER (commonly 40 hours plus supervised field experience and an 8-hour annual refresher) and, for asbestos or lead, state-accredited courses and licenses.
Do you need a degree to be a hazardous materials technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More hazardous materials technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 47-4041 (Hazardous materials removal workers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Hazardous materials removal workers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.