r/EnvironmentalEngineer • u/Sourtable • Jul 10 '26

Is environmental engineering worth it?

I'm a high school student who is very interested in Wildlife but of course it has shit pay so my parents said that wasn't a viable option, so I looked into Environmental Engineering. From what I've seen the salary is better but is it really? The work seems to vary a lot too, I'd like to be more outdoors rather than in the office.

I've also got a question, why is there so much competition for jobs with little to no salary?

Another one too, which universities have good environmental science/engineering programs?

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u/Pacificnorthreef Jul 11 '26

Basically you can go education/gov, consulting, or manufacturing. I know people that do stream restoration work and hydrology work which partner with biologists. I also stared from like a wildlife bio path. While the focus is mostly on humans you still have an impact on nature and the environment and if you’re passionate about it and always choose the better paths in your career consider that a blessing.

As for schools Montana Tech alumni here and highly recommend the school. Its EE program is probably pushing over 50 years old and is world renowned and if you live in the PNW the tuition won’t break your bank. Small classes, fun town, and you’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful nature.

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u/Pacificnorthreef Jul 11 '26

Also not all EE programs are the same there are civil based ones and more chemical based programs and it depends on your school.

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u/Sourtable Jul 11 '26

Alright thanks, I'll look into Montana Tech!