Hazardous materials removal workers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$48,490
~$23/hr · ~$4,041/mo
US Jobs
51K
Slower than average
AI & Automation Risk
2/10
Safe
AI & Automation Risk
Safe 2/10
The core of this occupation involves physical labor in unpredictable environments, such as scrubbing surfaces, constructing containment areas, and operating heavy machinery. While AI may assist with peripheral tasks like record-keeping, regulatory compliance checks, or analyzing sensor data for radiation levels, the primary work requires a physical human presence to navigate complex, hazardous sites.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennewick-Richland, WABEST VALUE | $95,600 | Average (98.9) | $96,678 |
| Amarillo, TX | $76,900 | Below avg (91.4) | $84,159 |
| Knoxville, TN | $74,130 | Below avg (92.2) | $80,372 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $76,950 | Above avg (104.3) | $73,776 |
| Madison, WI | $66,540 | Below avg (95.9) | $69,360 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $72,950 | Above avg (107.4) | $67,911 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $60,530 | Below avg (92.7) | $65,272 |
| Syracuse, NY | $60,360 | Below avg (95.7) | $63,061 |
| Columbus, OH | $58,170 | Below avg (94.6) | $61,471 |
| Billings, MT | $55,170 | Below avg (90.3) | $61,063 |
| Cleveland, OH | $54,800 | Below avg (92.9) | $58,982 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $57,220 | Average (97.0) | $58,975 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $64,990 | Above avg (113.1) | $57,483 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $58,770 | Average (102.5) | $57,344 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $58,350 | Average (102.4) | $57,003 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
10-Year Growth
+1% (Slower than average)
Hourly Rate
~$23/hr
Monthly Income
~$4,041/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)