Resilient
Last Update: 11/4/2026
AI Resilience Score for Environmental Engineers:
66.0%
Median Score
Meaningful human contribution
Measures the parts of the occupation that still require a human touch. This score averages data from up to four AI exposure datasets, focusing on the role’s resilience against automation.
High
Long-term employer demand
Predicts the health of the job market for this role through 2034. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, it balances projected annual job openings (60%) with overall employment growth (40%).
Med
Sustained economic opportunity
Measures future earning potential and career flexibility. This score is a blend of total projected labor income (67%) and the role’s inherent ability to adapt to economic and technological shifts (33%).
High
This reflects the reliability of your score based on the number of data sources available for this career and how closely those sources agree on the outlook. A higher confidence means more consistent evidence from labor experts and AI models.
Most data sources align, with only minor variation. This is a well-supported result.
AI Resilience Report forEnvironmental Engineers
$107,110 median salary•2,300 annual openings•SOC Code: 17-2081.00
Environmental Engineers are more resilient to AI impacts than most occupations, according to our analysis of 8 sources.
Environmental engineering is labeled "Resilient" because the heart of this work, including complex problem-solving, creative thinking, and collaboration across teams and agencies, is genuinely hard for AI to replicate. While AI is taking over repetitive tasks like compliance reporting and data analysis, human engineers are still needed to interpret results, make judgment calls, and work with regulators and communities to solve real-world environmental challenges.
Learn more about how you can thrive in this position
This role is resilient
Environmental engineering is labeled "Resilient" because the heart of this work, including complex problem-solving, creative thinking, and collaboration across teams and agencies, is genuinely hard for AI to replicate. While AI is taking over repetitive tasks like compliance reporting and data analysis, human engineers are still needed to interpret results, make judgment calls, and work with regulators and communities to solve real-world environmental challenges.
Read full analysisAnalysis of current AI resilience
Environmental Engineers
Updated quarterly
How can Environmental Engineers prepare for AI?
Latest AI news for Environmental Engineers
These articles highlight the growing importance of AI in environmental engineering, showcasing how data-driven insights can enhance water management and energy efficiency. For instance, the ASCE-EWRI article emphasizes AI's role in optimizing water resources, a critical area for environmental engineers. Additionally, understanding AI's impact on job markets, as discussed in the "Degrees in danger?" article, prepares students for evolving skill demands in their careers. Embracing AI can foster resilience in this field, allowing future environmental engineers to adapt and thrive in a tech-driven landscape.
Degrees in danger? These college majors face the biggest AI job shock
www.indiatoday.in • 9/29/2026
For years, students were told that a degree in computer science, engineering or another technical field was a strong route into the job...
Artificial intelligence, greening of occupational structure and total factor energy efficiency
www.nature.com • 3/6/2026
Circular economy transitions require closing material loops and narrowing resource flows through improved energy efficiency, a foundational...
The Emerging 'Hybrid Professional': GenAI's Impact on Skill Demand Changes in the UAE
www.orfonline.org • 1/12/2026
Task-level analysis of Generative AI's impact on the UAE labour market, revealing occupational polarisation, automation risks,...
Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Water Engineering: Establishment and Activities of the ASCE-EWRI ML/AI in Water Engineering Task Committee
www.asce.org • 11/3/2025
We are living through a pivotal era in civil and environmental engineering, where data is becoming as fundamental as concrete and pipe...
What do civil engineers need to know about artificial intelligence?
www.asce.org • 11/1/2024
Civil engineering firms that adopt artificial intelligence tools could enjoy a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
More Career Info
Career: Environmental Engineers
They design solutions to protect the environment by reducing pollution, improving waste management, and ensuring clean air and water for everyone.
Parent Careers
Alternate Titles
Engineer · Environmental Engineer · Environmental Remediation Specialist · Sanitary Engineer · Air Pollution Control Engineer · Engineering Consultant · Environmental Analyst · Environmental Consultant · Hazardous Substances Engineer
Employment & Wage Data
Median Wage
$107,110
Jobs (2025)
39,100
Growth (2025-35)
+6.3%
Annual Openings
2,300
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-2035
Task-Level AI Resilience Scores
AI-generated estimates of task resilience over the next 3 years
1
Attend professional conferences to share information.
2
Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems.
3
Serve as liaison with federal, state, or local agencies or officials on issues pertaining to solid or hazardous waste program requirements.
4
Assess, sort, characterize, or pack known or unknown materials.
5
Inspect industrial or municipal facilities or programs to evaluate operational effectiveness or ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
6
Coordinate or manage environmental protection programs or projects, assigning or evaluating work.
7
Design, or supervise the design of, systems, processes, or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.
Tasks are ranked by their AI resilience, with the most resilient tasks shown first. Core tasks are essential functions of this occupation, while supplemental tasks provide additional context.
