As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hazardous Waste Specialist in the United States is $71,618 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Hazardous Waste Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Hazardous Waste Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Hazardous Waste Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Hazardous... Level Hazardous Waste Specialist | $53,383 |
| Hazardous... Level Hazardous Waste Specialist | $61,207 |
| Hazardous... Level Hazardous Waste Specialist | $74,098 |
| Hazardous... Level Hazardous Waste Specialist | $93,079 |
| Hazardous... Level Hazardous Waste Specialist | $120,263 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Hazardous Waste Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Hazardous Waste Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Hazardous Waste Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Hazardous Waste Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $82,361 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $80,213 | $39.0 | 12% |
| Business Services | $78,780 | $38.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $78,064 | $38.0 | 9% |
| Software & Networking | $77,348 | $37.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Hazardous Waste Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Hazardous Waste Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,005 in 2023 to around $54,569 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Hazardous Waste Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $55,005 |
| 2024 | $55,172 |
| 2025 | $54,569 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Hazardous Waste Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
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