Environmental Engineering Career Guide: Roles, Salary 2025 & Future Scope
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
Some of the popular Environmental Engineering jobs for freshers in India are given in the table below:
| Environmental Engineering Jobs | Average Environmental Engineering Salary |
|---|---|
| Environmental Consultant | INR 7.8 LPA |
| Climate Change Analyst | INR 6 LPA |
| Water Resources Engineer | INR 5 LPA |
| Environmental Health and Safety Specialist | INR 6.8 LPA |
| Environmental Policy Analyst | INR 5.6 LPA |
| Waste Management Engineer | INR 4.5 LPA |
| Air Quality Engineer | 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.
- 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
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. |
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 |
| 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, it is, but it also depends on your own interests, values, and professional goals. 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.
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 Environmental Engineering Colleges in India
- Popular Private Environmental Engineering Colleges in India
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Popular Environmental Engineering Colleges in India
Popular Private Environmental Engineering Colleges in India
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Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech. Lateral Entry)DTU - Delhi Technological University
- B.Tech. in Environmental EngineeringDTU - Delhi Technological University
- M.Tech. in Environmental Engineering and ManagementIIT Delhi - Indian Institute of Technology
- M.Tech. in Environmental EngineeringManipal Institute of Technology, MAHE
- B.E. in Civil and Environmental EngineeringRamdeobaba University
- M.Tech in Environmental EngineeringThiagarajar College of Engineering
- B.E. in Environment EngineeringL D College of Engineering
- B.Tech. in Environmental EngineeringIIT Dhanbad (ISM) - Indian Institute of Technology (ISM)
- M.E. in Environmental Engineering and ManagementCoimbatore Institute of Technology
- B.E. in Environmental EngineeringSri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, JSS STU
Popular Environmental Engineering UG Courses
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1 College
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1 College
Popular Environmental Engineering PG Courses
PG Courses
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246 Colleges
- M.Sc.
4 Colleges
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News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 months ago
The average tuition fee for BTech Environmental Engineering is around INR 3 Lacs to INR 12 lakh, which differs based on the college, ranking, location, and placement records. Apart from the tuition fee, you also need to pay extra charges for hostel facilities, college application, semester exam fee,
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The BTech Environmental Engineering course syllabus is a mix of class lectures, internships, project work, and field visits to give you an idea of the real world applications of the field and gain practical work experience in handling environmental concerns. It gives you knowledge of various waste m
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Hi, the answer to this query would differ based on your interests and future plans. If you're somebody who is interested in the intricacies and advanced concepts of environmental protection and sustainability, you should go for an M.Tech degree in Environmental Engineering, which spans 2 years.
On th
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
College ranking plays a very important role when pursuing a BTech in Environmental Engineering because a good ranking speaks volumes about the college's overall academic coursework, industrial connections, and placements. A high ranking is also synonymous with research exposure and access to reliabl
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The selection criterion for BTech Environmental Engineering admission is a combination of both Class 12 merit and entrance test scores. Top colleges like the IITs and NITs ask for valid JEE Advanced and JEE Main exam scores respectively, while a few other private colleges consider the Class 12 board
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
You have both options available depending on the particular college you wish to apply to. A majority of the top BTech Environmental Engineering colleges release the application forms in the online mode on their university/college portal, which allows you to fill out the forms from the comfort of you
V
Contributor-Level 10
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How much is the tuition fee for BTech Environmental Engineering? Are there any additional charges?