Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractors in the United States
Asbestos abatement is one of the most heavily regulated segments of the environmental remediation industry. Every state requires contractors to hold specific licenses or certifications before performing asbestos removal, encapsulation, or enclosure work. There is no single federal registry—licensing is administered at the state level, and in some jurisdictions at the county or city level as well.
Industry Scale and Market
The U.S. remediation and environmental cleanup services sector encompasses over 5,100 businesses as of 2025, with asbestos abatement representing a significant share. The broader environmental remediation market has reached $26.4 billion and continues to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%. Asbestos testing alone is outpacing the overall market, projecting a 5.21% CAGR through 2028.
Licensing Requirements by State
Requirements vary significantly across states. Key elements typically include:
- Contractor License
- State-issued license specific to asbestos abatement (e.g., California C-22 classification, New York DOL license)
- Worker Certification
- Individual workers must hold EPA-accredited training certificates under AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act)
- Insurance Requirements
- Most states mandate general liability and pollution liability coverage, often with minimum thresholds of $1M per occurrence
- Notification Requirements
- Contractors must file project notifications with EPA and state agencies before beginning abatement work, typically 10 working days in advance
Top Contractors by Revenue
The largest firms in the space generate significant revenue and operate across multiple states:
| Company | Headquarters | 2022 Revenue | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATI Restoration LLC | Anaheim, CA | $60.5M | 192% |
| Performance Contracting, Inc. | Lenexa, KS | $39.9M | 32% |
| Irex Contracting Group | Lancaster, PA | $31.2M | 29% |
| Winter Environmental | Peachtree Corners, GA | $26.4M | 121% |
| Lakeshore Environmental | Birmingham, AL | $22.4M | 44% |
What to Verify Before Hiring
For commercial property managers and developers, confirming a contractor's credentials is critical to avoiding regulatory penalties and project delays. Key verification points include:
- Active state license — Check directly with the state's licensing board; licenses must be current, not expired or suspended
- EPA AHERA training — All workers on-site must hold valid accreditation
- Insurance certificates — Request current certificates of insurance naming your entity as additional insured
- OSHA compliance history — Review the contractor's OSHA inspection history for any citations
- Project references — Request references from comparable commercial or industrial projects