Environmental Engineer
Shortage Now
States / territories with a shortage signal
Snapshot
Median salary
A$129,500
Full-time annual
People employed
1,600
Estimated workforce
Shortage signal
Shortage (national)
Categories identify where a shortage occurs; they are not a severity score.
What you actually do
Assesses environmental impacts for engineering projects while working with other Professionals to develop solutions for long-term environmental sustainability. Plans and designs equipment and processes for the treatment and safe disposal of waste materials.
Scope note: Acoustic Engineers and Environmental Consultants are excluded from this occupation. Acoustic Engineers are included in Occupation 243931 Acoustic Engineer. Environmental Consultants are included in Occupation 244431 Environmental Consultant.
Read official OSCA descriptionSkills & main tasks
Official main tasks
- Assesses and identifies the potential environmental impacts of air, water, soil and noise levels of engineering projects
- Develops and designs equipment and sustainable processes to prevent, control or remediate environmental impacts
- Oversees and coordinates environmental management plans for engineering projects, such as hazardous waste treatment facilities and air pollution control systems, to protect the environment
- Works with Environmental Research Scientists, Urban and Regional Planners, and other Professionals to assess causes of long-term environmental problems, and to develop solutions
- Liaises with regulators, contractors and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure engineering projects meet environmental requirements and objectives
- May develop uses for renewable energy and contribute to sustainable energy planning and design
- May be involved in the development and planning of sustainable infrastructure, and implementation of environmental rating tools
Where people work
State / territory distribution
Highest education
Share of workers
Education & work pattern
Part-time
18%
Female rate
36%
Median age
36
2030 & 2035 employment outlook
to 2030
+12%
2,123 projected jobs
to 2035
+23%
3,929 projected jobs
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OSCA skill level 1
A classification attribute describing the occupation; it is not a personal eligibility or qualification decision.
Registration or licensing
Registration or licensing may be required.
Official VET pathways
Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology
Progression pathway
Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology
Progression pathway
Related study options
Bachelor
Compare university ROIReal jobs right now
Live signal from SEEK, Indeed & moreCurrent vacancy signal
QLD · May 2026
81
ACT · May 2026
6
VIC · May 2026
88
NT · May 2026
8
SA · May 2026
24
NSW · May 2026
98
Where could this career take you?
Compare state-level shortage signals, salary context, study options and visa information for Environmental Engineer.
Regional demand
Largest employment base
#1 Sydney - North Sydney and Hornsby
1,584 estimated employed
- 1
Sydney - North Sydney and Hornsby
1,584 employed
NSW
+39.81%
year on year
- 2
Melbourne - Inner
1,461 employed
VIC
+8.54%
year on year
- 3
Sydney - City and Inner South
1,425 employed
NSW
+26.55%
year on year
- 4
Melbourne - South East
1,166 employed
VIC
+12.66%
year on year
- 5
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
1,135 employed
NSW
+14.19%
year on year
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Ranked by current shortage signal and projected employment growth.
Workers in this occupation
3,070
Moved in from another occupation
325
Moved to another occupation
205
Recommendation score: shortage = 2 points, no shortage = 1 point, plus 1 point for each 10% of projected growth to 2035.
- 1
5
points
- 2
4
points
- 3
3
points
Data status
- Classification
- OSCA 243935
- Last updated
- Refresh pending
- Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia OSL · Jobs and Skills Australia DOM · ABS OSCA · OSCA 2024 — Jobs and Skills Australia
Labour-market data coverage
- Shortage signal and drivers: JSA Occupation Shortage List (ANZSCO unit group where applicable).
- Work profile, state distribution and education: JSA Occupation Profiles (ANZSCO mapped).
- Regional employment: JSA NERO, June 2026.
- Career-move observations: JSA DOM, last available 2020–21. Observed Australian worker transitions are not personalised recommendations; many contractors and sole traders are excluded, as are transitions below 10 workers.
- Vacancy signal: JSA Internet Vacancy Index, 3-month average (ANZSCO unit group).
- Employment outlook: JSA employment projections (ANZSCO unit group).
- Training pathways: JSA Training Occupation Pathways.
Data confidence: estimate.