Environmental Engineering career : Paths, Opportunities & Earnings

Updated on Dec 13, 2023 12:14 IST
Vidhi Jain

Vidhi JainContent Writer

Environmental Engineering Career offers various job positions such as Environmental Engineer, Water Resouces Engineer, Air Quality Engineer, Environmental Specialist, Environmental Consultant, Waste Management Engineer, Remediation Engineer, Climate Change Analyst, Research Associate and others. The payscale offered at entry-level positions ranges between INR 5- 7 LPA, for mid-level profiles INR 8- 12 LPA and senior level profiles INR 13- 15 LPA. Candidates who have completed BTech in Environmental Engineering have various career options such as Pursue MTech in Environmental Engineering, procure job through campus placements, work in start-ups, research organisations, private and government organisations

Environmental Engineering is a discipline of engineering concerned with the application of scientific and engineering principles to the protection and improvement of the environment. Environmental engineers aim to create long-term solutions to various environmental problems, with the goal of avoiding negative environmental and human health impacts while encouraging resource efficiency and sustainability. The course is offered in diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate levels across top engineering colleges.

There are various Environmental Engineering colleges in India which offer excellent placement packages to their graduates, especially BTech graduates such as IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, DTU, IIT Madras, NIT Trichy etc. The top recruiting sectors for Environmental Engineering graduates include Government Agencies, Waste Management and Recycling, Transportation, Consulting Firms, Energy Sector, Research and Development etc. The top recruiters included companies such as Tetra Tech, Central Pollution Control Board, Tata Power, Reliance Industries Limited, WWF-India etc.

Average Salary Based On Job Position

Salaries in environmental engineering can vary greatly depending on factors such as geography, amount of education and experience, company, and demand for environmental engineers in a certain area. Entry-level environmental engineers or consultants can expect to earn between INR 3.5- 6 LPA. Those with multiple years of experience and expertise may earn between INR 8- 15 LPA or more. 

The table below shows the average income ranges for numerous job opportunities available to Environmental Engineering graduates:

Job Profile Average Annual CTC in INR
Environmental Consultant INR 6- 8 LPA
Climate Change Analyst INR 5- 8 LPA
Water Resources Engineer INR 7- 9 LPA
Waste Management Engineer INR 6- 9 LPA
Air Quality Engineer INR 5- 9 LPA

NoteThe salary data has been sourced from external links.

Top Careers in Environmental Engineering

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. Candidates can work in any of the following job profiles:

Job Profile Job Description Average CTC in INR
Environmental Consultant Environmental consultants advise corporations, government agencies, and groups on environmental challenges and regulatory compliance.  INR 6- 8 LPA
Climate Change Analyst Climate change analysts research the effects of climate change and devise mitigation solutions. INR 5- 8 LPA
Water Resources Engineer Water resources engineers work on projects including water resource management, distribution, and quality. Water treatment plants, stormwater management systems, and flood control measures are designed and built by them. INR 7- 9 LPA
Waste Management Engineer
Engineers who work in waste management design and implement systems for the safe disposal and recycling of solid and hazardous waste. 
INR 6- 9 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- 9 LPA

Top Recruiters for Environmental Engineering Students

To work in the field of Environmental Engineering, candidates should first study Environmental Engineering. Laboratory work, industrial visits and internships should also provide hands-on experience. After graduation, candidates can apply for jobs with government agencies, commercial enterprises, research institutions, and 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 you pick may be determined by your interests, talents, and current industry trends.The sectors include:

Top Recruiters for Environmental Engineering Graduates
Government and Regulatory Agencies Energy Sector
Water Resources Management 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 various sectors:

Consulting Companies
Ramboll India ERM India AECOM India
Tetra Tech Golder Associates DHI India
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 Indian Institute of Science
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
Energy Companies
Tata Power Adani Green Energy NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation)
Suzlon Energy ReNew Power

Sembcorp Energy India

Waste and Wastewater Treatment Companies
Ion Exchange India Suez India Netsol Water
VA Tech Wabag Thermax Limited Thermax Limited

Top Colleges for Environmental Engineering

The popular colleges for Environmental Engineering includes 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 are as follows:

Institute Average Package Offered
BITS Pilani 14.8 LPA
Delhi Technological University 13 LPA
IIT Bombay 12.97- 18.8 LPA
IIT Delhi 12.5 LPA
IIT Kanpur 15.29- 17.69 LPA
IIT Kharagpur 13.5- 15 LPA
IIT Madras 13- 17 LPA
NIT Rourkela

9 LPA

NIT Surathkal 9.42 LPA
NIT Trichy 9.5 LPA

How to Get A Job After Environmental Engineering?

It may take some time to find a career in Environmental Engineering, so be patient and persistent in your job hunt. Networking and acquiring relevant experience through internships or co-op programs can enhance your chances of landing your preferred career in the industry dramatically. Candidates must keep these points in mind while searching for job opportunities after completing Environmental Engineering:

  • Prepare well-drafted resume: Make a well-organized CV that highlights your school credentials, relevant coursework, internships, research projects, and any certifications. Create a unique cover letter for each job application, stressing your interest in environmental engineering and how your qualifications match the employment criteria.
  • Networking in the Environment and Sustainability Community: Attend environmental engineering-related industry events, seminars, workshops, and conferences. These events allow opportunity to network with industry professionals.
  • Build a strong portfolio: Make a portfolio of your academic projects, internships, and personal environmental engineering initiatives. Include photographs, reports, and detailed descriptions.
    To illustrate your practical talents, bring your portfolio to interviews.

Also Read: Environmental Engineering Syllabus

Top Indian Cities To Get Lucrative Jobs After Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineers can find work in a variety of places across India, with a focus on sustainability, environmental management, and infrastructure development. These locations have a diverse range of opportunities in government agencies, commercial firms, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations, making them appealing destinations for Environmental Engineering experts.

Here are some of the top Indian cities and companies where you can get lucrative job opportunities in the field of Environmental Engineering:

Cities Top Companies Average CTC
Delhi ERM India, AECOM India, Ramboll India, Golder Associates, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), DHI India INR 7-10 LPA
Chennai Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), Ashok Leyland, and Eureka Forbes. INR 6-9 LPA
Mumbai Tata Power, Reliance Industries Limited, Adani Group, L&T, Tata Steel, Gammon India, and Thermax Limited. INR 6- 10 LPA
Bangalore Infosys, Wipro, Biocon, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) INR 7- 11 LPA
Hyderabad Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), and Tata Projects. INR 6- 10 LPA
Kolkata Coal India Limited (CIL), Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), and Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL). INR 5- 8 LPA

Environmental Engineering Jobs in Government and Private Sector

Environmental Engineering employment opportunities are offered across both the public and commercial sectors, providing individuals with a variety of career options. The government sector provides BTech applicants with attractive work prospects, and they can pursue careers such as:

Sector Description Average CTC
Environment Regulator Environmental restrictions are enforced by government agencies at the national, state, and municipal levels. Environmental engineers serve as compliance officers, inspectors, and analysts, ensuring that industries and enterprises follow environmental regulations. INR 6- 9 LPA
Research and Development Environmental engineers are frequently employed by government research institutions for initiatives including environmental preservation, conservation, and sustainability.  INR 7- 10 LPA
Infrastructure and Public Works Environmental engineers work in government agencies to plan, design, and build public infrastructure projects with an emphasis on environmental sustainability.  INR 7- 11 LPA
Consulting Firms Clients served by environmental engineering consulting organizations include industries, municipalities, and government agencies. Environmental engineers in this field examine environmental impacts, conduct environmental audits, and create solutions to pollution and sustainability problems. INR 6- 9 LPA
Energy Firms Environmental engineers are needed by private sector energy firms, particularly those in renewable energy, to ensure compliance with environmental legislation, assess the environmental impact of energy projects, and design sustainable energy solutions. INR 5- 9 LPA

Environmental Engineering Salary Abroad

The income of a Environmental Engineering graduate working overseas might vary greatly based on a number of criteria, including the country of employment, amount of experience, employer type, and job description. The salary ranges of the following countries are given in the table below:

Country Salary Offered
Germany
  • Entry-Level: €40,000 - €60,000 per year
  • Mid-Level: €60,000 - €80,000 per year
  • Senior-Level: €85,000 and above per year
Australia
  • Entry-Level: AUD 40,000 - AUD 60,000 per year
  • Mid-Level: AUD 65,000 - AUD 80,000 per year
  • Senior-Level: AUD 80,000 and above per year
United States
  • Entry-Level: $50,000 - $80,000 per year
  • Mid-Level: $80,000 - $110,000 per year
  • Senior-Level: $120,000 and above per year
Canada
  • Entry-Level: CAD 50,000 - CAD 70,000 per year
  • Mid-Level: CAD 70,000 - CAD 100,000 per year
  • Senior-Level: CAD 90,000 and above per year

Disclaimer: The above salary-data has been obtained from external sites.

Read More: Career after Engineering

FAQs on Environmental Engineering Career

Q. What are the top private colleges offering Environmental Engineering course?

A. The top private colleges for Environmental Engineering consists of various deemed to be universities and other institute of eminence which have become popular due to their infrastructural facilities and placement opportunities. These colleges are as follows:

Top College Total Course Fees in INR
Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research 4.5 lakh
Galgotias University 5.96 lakh
Hindustan College of Science and Technology 2.78 lakh
JSS Science and Technology University 1.75 lakh
L D College of Engineering 8.49K
Marwadi Education Foundation 3.56 lakh
Medi-Caps University 4.4 lakh
Saveetha School of Engineering 1.2 lakh
Shoolini University 6.4 lakh
UPES Dehradun 15.72 lakh

Q. What are the top government colleges offering Environmental Engineering course?

A. The popular government colleges for Environmental Engineering includes 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 offering BTech courses are as follows:

Top College Total Course Fees in INR
Delhi Technological University 2.97 - 6.06 lakh
Government Engineering College, Valsad 6,000
IIT Dhanbad 8 lakh
JC Bose University of Science and Technology 2.7 lakh
NIT Durgapur 5 lakh
Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya --
Shivaji University 2.37 lakh
SJCE, Mysore 3.61 lakh
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University 3.32 lakh
Visvesvaraya Technological University 45K

Q. What is the salary package for Environmental Engineering fresher?

A. The wage package for a fresher in Environmental Engineering in India might vary depending on a number of factors, including the candidate's educational background, the individual company or organization, and the need for environmental engineers at the time of hiring. Salary ranges for environmental engineering freshers in India might range from INR 2.5 - 6 LPA.

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 current on the latest innovations in their industry. Attending conferences, seminars, and pursuing continuing education options can all help you advance in your job.

Q. Is Environmental Engineering a good career choice?

A. Yes,candidates' 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 choosing 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.

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.

22 Jan ' 25 - 24 Jan ' 25

JEE Main 2025 Exam Date Session 1 - Paper 1

28 Jan ' 25 - 29 Jan ' 25

JEE Main 2025 Exam Date Session 1 - Paper 1

7 Jan ' 25

GATE 2025 Admit Card

1 Feb ' 25

GATE 2025 Exam (CS1 | AG | MA | CS2 | NM | MT | T...

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

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

4 Courses
1.23 L - 6.87 L
4.3

#7 India Today

2 Courses
20 K - 8 L
17 - 19 LPA

#3 The Week

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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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.

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Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 7