How to Become a Lead Abatement Technician

Quick Facts

  • Average Salary: $46,800/year
  • Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Required Experience: 1-2 years of experience in lead abatement or related field
  • Licensing: Required in most states, including specific training certifications
  • Job Outlook: 3% growth (2020-2030)

What Does a Lead Abatement Technician Do?

A Lead Abatement Technician is a skilled professional who works to keep our homes, schools, and workplaces safe from harmful lead particles. These technicians are experts at identifying, removing, and safely disposing of sources of lead exposure, like old paint or pipes, which can have harmful effects on our health.

The work environment can vary greatly, from residential to commercial properties, and even historic buildings. Often part of a larger team, a Lead Abatement Technician may find themselves high up on scaffolding, in tight crawlspaces, or anywhere else there might be contaminated materials. Precautions are always taken to ensure their own safety and that of the public.

Key responsibilities of this role include conducting examinations of buildings for signs of lead contamination, developing plans to remove lead sources, and carefully executing these plans. They also safely handle lead-contaminated materials and ensure their proper disposal. They communicate with clients about the work being done, ensuring peace of mind that their spaces are being made safe.

Skills Required

Technical Skills

  • Lead abatement procedures
  • Hazardous materials containment
  • Waste disposal protocols
  • Usage of protective gear
  • Construction site safety regulations
  • MSHA or OSHA certifications

Soft Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Problem Solving
  • Communication
  • Teamwork

Education and Training Requirements

Required Education

Licensing and Certification

State Requirements

Required in most states, including specific training certifications

Salary and Job Outlook

How to Get Started