Across U.S. metros, septic & sewer technicians typically earn $2,775 more a year than hazmat removal workers (6%). In the 93 metros where BLS publishes both, hazmat removal workers earn more in 33 and septic & sewer technicians in 60.
| Hazmat Removal Worker | Septic & Sewer Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $48,215 | $50,990 |
| Lowest metro median | $26,520 | $36,350 |
| Highest metro median | $104,530 | $75,010 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.5% | +7.8% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 4,300 | 2,800 |
| Self-employed | 1% | 3% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 71 | 162 |
| Metros with pay data | 134 | 150 |
On safety, septic & sewer technicians report more injuries that cause missed work (162 vs. 71 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where hazmat removal workers out-earn septic & sewer technicians the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where septic & sewer technicians out-earn hazmat removal workers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
Hazmat Removal Worker
Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.
Septic & Sewer Technician
Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or drains. May patch walls and partitions of tank, replace damaged drain tile, or repair breaks in underground piping.
Compare one trade across two cities →