Statewide pay Government data
Hazmat removal workers in Illinois earn a statewide median of $61,330 a year, 27% above the typical U.S. metro, ranking #2 of 50 states and DC. About 1,980 people work in the trade statewide.
Statewide pay range
States ranked near Illinois
See all states on the hazmat removal workers nationwide.
Pay by city Government data
BLS publishes hazmat removal worker pay for 1 Illinois metro: Chicago.
| Metro | Median pay | Real pay | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChicagoILLINOIS · IL | $61,330 | $59,202 | 1,580 |
Pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (metro-level). Real pay: BEA price parities, 2024. How we calculate
The job (national)
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.
Nationally, jobs are projected to grow 1.5% from 2025 to 2035, with about 4,300 openings a year. Typical training: moderate-term on-the-job training.
Nationally, hazmat removal workers have 71 injuries or illnesses serious enough to miss work per 10,000 full-time workers, 18% below the rate for all jobs (87). The most common cause is falls, slips and trips.
What the work is like Government data
How often hazmat removal workers deal with each condition, from surveys of workers in the job.
Getting started usually takes some preparation (high school plus months of training).
O*NET 31.0 Work Context and Job Zones (U.S. Department of Labor), national.
Licensing in Illinois Official source
The main state licensing office in Illinois is the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Most trades (including general contractors and electricians) are licensed locally; plumbers are licensed by the state health department. It can point you to the right license for hazmat removal workers.
Official Illinois licensing site ↗
Requirements for hazmat removal workers vary by state and sometimes by city; always confirm with the official agency.
Cities in Illinois
All trades in Illinois.