Asbestos Abatement Technicians

Employers

There are approximately 49,960 hazardous materials removal workers in the United States. About 62 percent of hazardous materials workers are employed in the waste management and remediation services industry, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Asbestos abatement contractors are located in most major cities in the country and frequently need technicians. The DOL reports that in 2023, the states with the highest number of jobs were Idaho, Alaska, New Mexico, Massachusetts, and Colorado.

Starting Out

Unionized asbestos abatement technicians start as apprentices. Apprentices work under the guidance of journeymen—skilled asbestos technicians—for a specific number of hours. Training is a combination of on-the-job work and classroom instruction. Once you fulfill the required training and certification, you are given journeyman status and benefits.

Nonunion workers must complete a 32- to 40-hour training program before receiving a license. The employer provides additional technical training, most often on the job.

To find area contractors, search the Internet and the classified sections of newspapers for "Asbestos abatement and removal service," "Asbestos consulting and testing," and "Hazardous material control and removal." You can also find job listings at employment Web sites and apply directly to asbestos abatement companies.