Environmental Engineering Career Scope: Jobs, Placements, Salary 2024, Top Recruiters/Companies

Updated on Jan 29, 2025 06:51 IST
Vidhi Jain

Vidhi JainContent Writer

Environmental Engineering careers in India can lead to a sustainable future and decent earning potential for fresh graduates. For students who are passionate about the environmental world and want to earn a handsome income, they are in for an exciting ride when it comes to pursuing Environmental Engineering courses after Class 12. 

Environmental engineers work to improve problems that have to do with waste disposal and recycling, public health, environmental sustainability, and air and water quality, and find ecological solutions for the same. The sole purpose of environmental engineers is to look after the upkeep of rural and urban settings and ensure that they are in a healthy state. They design, construct, and manage different environmental and waste management systems.

Some of the highest paying Environmental Engineering jobs for freshers in India include Environmental Conservation Scientist, Environmental Engineer, Environmental Health and Safety Manager, Hydrologist, Natural Sciences Manager, Environmental Policy Analyst, Chemical Engineer, etc. The average Environmental Engineering salary in India is between INR 5 LPA and INR 7 LPA. The salary offered to environmental enthusiasts depends on various factors like experience, skill set, academic qualification, and company location. 

The Environmental Engineering career scope is vast and continuously evolving because of the shift in focus towards public safety and sustainability. Top work sectors for Environmental Engineering graduates in India are government agencies, waste management and recycling, transportation, consulting firms, energy sector, research and development, etc. Prominent Environmental Engineering recruiters in India included companies such as Tetra Tech, Central Pollution Control Board, Enviro Analysts & Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Doshion Ltd., NALCO, AECOM, Paramount Ltd., Brunel India Pvt. Ltd., etc.

Relevant Link for Environmental Engineering Career in India:

Why Engineering is Still a Highly Paid Career Stream?

Environmental Engineering Career Scope: Quick Facts

The Environmental Engineering career scope looks quite promising in the near future, extending a wide array of opportunities to fresh graduates with a degree in the field. Some of the interesting career facts for Environmental Engineering scope in India are mentioned below:

  • According to the latest employment report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental engineers can expect a growth of 7% in their overall earning opportunities between the years 2023 and 2033, with 3,000 new openings every year on average.
  • Another trusted report by India Today reveals some exciting data regarding the job growth of environmental engineers. There will apparently be an 8.3% growth with about 4,000 job openings for environmental enthusiasts.
  • The average Environmental Engineering salary for fresh graduates in India is around INR 4.5 LPA, which is quite decent given the job market scenario at present. Experienced professionals with more than 4 years of experience can get around INR 15 LPA.
  • There are more than 340 Environmental Engineering colleges in India that are known for providing quality education, practical exposure, industry networks, and placement records.

Top Environmental Engineering Jobs in India

Environmental Engineering is a broad field with numerous job sectors and opportunities for experts to engage on projects including environmental preservation, sustainability, and natural resource management. As society grows more environmentally conscious, the area continues to evolve, providing a diverse range of job prospects for people interested in making a beneficial impact on the environment. Some of the popular Environmental Engineering jobs for freshers in India are given in the table below:

Environmental Engineering Jobs Job Description Average Environmental Engineering Salary
Environmental Consultant Conducts environmental assessments, designs pollution control systems, and provides valuable advice to clients on environmental regulations. INR 7.8 LPA
Climate Change Analyst Climate change analysts research the effects of climate change and devise mitigation solutions, ensuring sound environmental health. INR 6 LPA
Water Resources Engineer Works on projects like water resource management, distribution, and quality. Water treatment plants, stormwater management systems, and flood control measures are designed and built by them. INR 5 LPA
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Develops and implements safety programs to protect workers and the environment from natural hazards. INR 6.8 LPA
Environmental Policy Analyst Analyzes environmental issues and develops policies to address them. INR 5.6 LPA
Waste Management Engineer Works on waste management design and implement systems for the safe disposal and recycling of solid and hazardous waste.  INR 4.5 LPA
Air Quality Engineer Air pollution levels are monitored and controlled by air quality engineers. They focus on programs to minimize emissions from manufacturing, transportation, and energy production. INR 5.5 LPA

Note: The average salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.

Emerging Trends in Environmental Engineering Careers in India:

Since the time the world has gotten aware of the poor condition of ecological systems, the demand for trained environmental professionals has increased to another level. Environmental Engineering jobs give students a handsome salary package in hand and various other incentives. It is important for environmentalists to be aware of the emerging trends in this field to improve efficiency and ensure environmental safety. Some popular trends in Environmental Engineering are mentioned below:

  • Biofiltration Systems: The biological filtration method allows for the control of pollution with the help of natural beneficial bacteria, enabling better wastewater management. This technique helps eliminate industrial contaminants, ensuring environmental safety.
  • Circular Economy: This practice keeps materials and products in use for a long time. It focuses on less material wastage, recapturing the waste material in order to come up with a new product and the cycle to continue.
  • Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation: Working on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change. This includes sustainable infrastructure building, clean energy sources, and overall environment-friendly practices.
  • Environmental Informatics & Big Data: Using data analysis tools and sensor software technology to monitor environmental trends, identify risks, and optimize solutions by interpreting a chunk of data.

Useful Links for Engineering Careers in India:

Engineering Career Scope in India

Careers after BTech Degree

Environmental Engineering Scope in India: Jobs, Salary and Further Education

Environmental Engineering courses after 12th open doors for a plethora of career options to explore in different work sectors such as waste management and recycling, renewable energy, manufacturing, construction, environmental consulting, etc. The overall career scope of the course is extremely diverse and promising with ample opportunities for growth and skill enhancement. Students can either pursue higher education after their UG-level Environmental Engineering course or look for a job in the business world.

Courses after Graduation in Environmental Engineering

Students in India with an Environmental Engineering degree or even a well-settled job in the waste management, energy, or environmental health and safety sector have various options to advance their professional career and areas of expertise. Following are some of the course options, they may choose after completing B.E/ BTech in Environmental Engineering:

Courses

Course Description

M.E/ MSc/ M.Tech in Environmental Engineering Engineering This is a two-year postgraduate-level program where students are provided in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical application that can be put to use for managing environmental issues related to land, air, and water. Students are taught about the timely measures to be taken for ensuring environmental safety.
MTech + PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering This is a five-year integrated course for providing research knowledge regarding all the aspects of Environmental Engineering including cutting-edge technologies, emerging trends, and preventive measures to keep our surroundings in sound health.
Advanced-level Certificate Courses in Environmental Engineering and Safety

These specialized short-term courses can lead to advancement in career prospects with enhanced technical expertise and knowledge. Recruiters place great value on such professionals, offering them excellent salary packages.

Environmental Engineering Core Industries & Top Recruiters

A well-established Environmental Engineering career path in India can be achieved with the help of laboratory work, industrial visits, and internships that together provide hands-on experience. After graduation, students can apply for jobs with government agencies, commercial enterprises, research institutions, and environmental consulting firms. 

These industries provide environmental engineers with a wide range of professional prospects, allowing them to make significant contributions to environmental preservation and sustainability. The specific job route one picks is usually determined by their interests, talents, and current industry trends.The core industries/sectors include:

Core Industries for Environmental Engineering Graduates
Government and Regulatory Agencies Energy Sector
Water Resources Management Environmental Consulting Firms
Transportation Waste Management and Recycling
Natural Resource Management Environmental Health and Safety

Several Indian companies hire environmental engineers for tasks involving environmental management, sustainability, and infrastructure development. The companies listed below hire Environmental Engineering graduates across different sectors:

Environmental Consulting Companies
Ramboll India LogicLadder Technologies Vision Earthcare
rePurpose Global Enviro Infra Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Enviraj Consulting
Research and Academic Institutions
Indian Institutes of Technology National Institutes of Technology Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Indian Space Research Organisation Centre for Science and Environment Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
Government Agencies and Regulatory Bodies
Central Pollution Control Board Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Forest Survey of India
State Pollution Control Boards Indian Environmental Society National Environmental Engineering Research Institute
Renewable Energy Companies
Tata Power Adani Green Energy NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation)
Suzlon Energy ONGC

GAIL Limited

Waste and Water Management Companies
Ion Exchange India Suez India Siemens India - Water Technologies
VA Tech Wabag Thermax Limited GE Water

Note: This information is taken from external sites, and hence may vary.

Best Environmental Engineering Colleges for Placements in India

The popular colleges for Environmental Engineering include the top IITs and NITs which are considered as temples of technical education and are popular due to its industrial tie-ups and good placement opportunities. The colleges along with their average placement packages are as follows:

Environmental Engineering Colleges Average Package Offered
BITS Pilani Placements INR 14.8 LPA
IIT Bombay Placements INR 17.92 - 19.63 LPA
IIT Delhi Placements INR 14 LPA
IIT Kharagpur Placements INR 21.28 LPA
IIT Madras Placements INR 17- 19 LPA
NIT Rourkela Placements

INR 6.5 LPA

NIT Surathkal Placements INR 11 LPA
NIT Trichy Placements INR 10 LPA
SRM Institute of Science and Technology Placements INR 6 LPA
Jadavpur University Placements INR 9.02 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counseling body and may vary.

Helpful Links for Environmental Engineering Placements:

NIT Placements – Know Highest Salary Package & Placement Process

IIT Placements – Know Highest Salary Package & Placement Process

Environmental Engineering Career FAQs

Q. What is the salary package for Environmental Engineering freshers in India?

A. The salary package for a fresher in Environmental Engineering in India might vary depending on a number of factors, including the candidate's educational background, experience, skill set, the individual company or organization, and the need for environmental engineers at the time of hiring. The average Environmental Engineering salary for freshers in India ranges from INR 5 - 7 LPA.

Q. Is Environmental Engineering a good career choice?

A. Well, your own interests, values, and professional goals will determine whether Environmental Engineering is an appropriate career choice for you. If you have a real interest in environmental concerns and want to make a difference in the world, this field can give a gratifying and rewarding career. Before coming to a decision, undertake thorough research, evaluate your long-term goals, and look into internship or co-op programs to acquire hands-on experience. Furthermore, networking with people in the sector and seeking mentorship will help you make an informed decision about your career path.

Q. What is the minimum qualification required to be a Environmental Engineer?

A.The minimal educational qualification is often a bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering or a closely related discipline. Coursework in Environmental Engineering programs often includes chemistry, biology, mathematics, fluid mechanics, environmental science, and engineering principles. Environmental engineers must stay updated about the latest innovations in their industry. Attending conferences, seminars, and pursuing continuing education options can all help one advance in their career.

Q. What are the future prospects after completing Environmental Engineering?

A. Well, you can get jobs in governmental and non-governmental organizations which focus on environmental management and protection. You can work as: 1. Environmental engineers in distilleries. 2. Water treatment industries. 3. Fertilizers plants. 4. Mines. 5. Refineries. 6. Textile mills and 7. Food processing industries.

Environmental Journalism is another good profession available for these graduates. Public Sector Enterprise like Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) recruit Environmental Engineering graduates for the post of management trainees. I hope this helps.

Q. What do environmental engineers do?

A. Hi,
Environmental engineers invent the ways to protect the environment from harmful waste, bacteria, chemicals etc. Examples of Environmental Engineering work incorporate building dams, municipal water supply, systems for recycling and reusing waste, wastewater treatment facilities, plants to desalinate ocean water for irrigation of crops, refineries that reduce air pollutants, etc. To become an effective environmental engineer, he must possess problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, reading, writing, knowledge about nature, etc.

Q. What are the potential career paths for Environmental Engineering graduates?

A.

Hi,

You may consider following career paths after completing Environmental Engineering courses in India:

  • Environmental consultant
  • Environmental policy analyst
  • Environmental project manager
  • Environmental scientist
  • Environmental auditor
  • Sustainability manager

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Environmental Engineering. Students interested in pursuing a career on Environmental Engineering, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

4 Feb ' 25 - 6 Feb ' 25

JEE Main Answer Key 2025 Session 1

1 Feb ' 25 - 25 Feb ' 25

JEE Main 2025 Session 2 Registration

30 Dec ' 24 - 15 Feb ' 25

MHT CET 2025 Application Form

16 Feb ' 25 - 22 Feb ' 25

MHT CET 2025 Application Form with late fee

15 Feb ' 25

GATE 2025 Exam (CY | AE | DA | ES | PI | EC | GE ...

16 Feb ' 25

GATE 2025 Exam (CE1 | GG | CH | PH | BT | CE2 | S...

21 Jan ' 25 - 18 Apr ' 25

BITSAT 2025 application form - Session 1 and Both...

29 Apr ' 25 - 1 May ' 25

BITSAT 2025 application form correction facility ...

Popular Environmental Engineering Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Environmental Engineering Colleges in India. Learn more about these Environmental Engineering colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
5 Courses
2.69 L - 10 L
17.92 - 19.63 LPA

#2 India Today

3 Courses
3 L
14 LPA

#1 India Today

1 L

Top 25 in India

2 Courses
20 K - 8 L
17 - 19 LPA

#3 The Week

4 Courses
1.23 L - 6.87 L
4.3

#7 India Today

3 Courses
20 K - 10 L
21.28 LPA

#4 India Today

Popular Private Environmental Engineering Colleges in India

1 Course
2.2 L
3.8 LPA
1 Course
1.1 L
5 LPA
1 Course
1.68 L
4.05 LPA
1 Course
1.33 L
2.0
1 Course
62.82 K
6.5 LPA
1 Course
8.1 K
1.4 LPA

Popular Environmental Engineering UG Courses

Following are the most popular Environmental Engineering UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Environmental Engineering PG Courses

Following are the most popular Environmental Engineering PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, the ME in Environmental Engineering curriculum at Annamalai University includes elective subjects. During the two-year course duration, students get to choose various subjects from a list of professional and open electives. Listed below are some of the subjects included in the curriculum:

  • Noise

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S

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Hello, I hope you are doing fine 

There are some University which offers environmental engineering and environmental sciences undergraduate programme in Delhi and programme so here is the list:

  • Delhi technological University 
  • Jawaharlal Nehru University 
  • University of Allahabad 
  • Baba Saheb bheemrav Ambed

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M

Muskan Yadav

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

Environmental Engineering courses basically focus on improving the overall quality of the world around us and coming up with solutions to environmental problems. Along with the Engineering curriculum, students get to study a lot about Soil Science, Biology, Chemistry as well as Mathematics.

Some of t

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Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10