How much do hazardous materials removal workers make in Wisconsin in 2026?

Hazardous materials removal workers in Wisconsin earn a median of $47,750 per year, which works out to roughly $22.96 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. That number sits in the middle of a fairly wide range — workers at the 25th percentile bring in $45,330 annually (~$21.79/hr), while those at the 75th percentile reach $61,190 per year (~$29.42/hr). The gap between the bottom quarter and the top quarter is about $15,860 a year, which is significant and worth understanding.

The lower end of the pay range — around $45,330 — typically reflects newer workers, those on general cleanup crews, or positions in lower-cost regions of the state. If you're just entering the field or working for a smaller abatement contractor, expect to land somewhere in this range initially. The median of $47,750 is where most experienced workers with a few years under their belt tend to settle, assuming standard hours and no specialty certifications beyond basic licensing requirements.

The 75th percentile at $61,190 (~$29.42/hr) is where things get more interesting. Workers who reach this level usually have several factors working for them: multiple certifications (asbestos, lead, mold remediation, or HAZWOPER 40-hour training), experience handling more complex or higher-risk removal projects, or positions with contractors who serve industrial and commercial clients rather than residential ones. Site supervisors and lead workers on larger abatement projects also tend to push toward or past this threshold.

Wisconsin requires hazardous materials removal workers handling asbestos to hold a state-issued license through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Getting and maintaining that credential — along with annual refresher training — is a baseline, not a bonus. Workers who stack additional certifications, such as EPA lead abatement supervisor certification or OSHA HAZWOPER training, put themselves in a stronger position to negotiate higher pay, particularly on federally funded or industrial contracts.

Geography within Wisconsin matters more than it might seem. Milwaukee and its suburbs, along with the Fox Valley corridor and the Madison metro area, generate the most abatement work, driven by older commercial building stock, industrial site remediation, and active construction renovation. Workers based in or willing to travel to these areas generally have more consistent hours and access to larger projects. Rural and northern Wisconsin markets are thinner — work may be seasonal or sporadic, which affects annual earnings even if the hourly rate is comparable.

Overtime is a real factor in this trade. Environmental emergencies, remediation deadlines tied to construction schedules, and regulatory compliance timelines can push workers into 50- or 60-hour weeks. At $22.96/hr straight time, overtime hours at 1.5x clock in at roughly $34.44/hr — a meaningful boost to annual income for workers willing to take those assignments.

Some workers in this trade may be covered by a collective bargaining agreement — check with your local for current rates.

The data on this page comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2025. BLS figures represent base wages and do not include the value of benefits, per diem travel pay, or employer contributions to health insurance or retirement plans. Workers on prevailing-wage public projects may earn above the figures shown here depending on the project's wage determination. For the most accurate picture of what a specific employer is paying, ask for the wage scale and fringe breakdown before accepting an offer.