Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.
Also called: Air Analysis Engineering Technician (Air Analysis Engineering Tech), Air Analysis Technician (Air Analysis Tech), Air Analyst, Air Pollution Specialist, Air Quality Instrument Specialist, EHS Engineer (Environmental, Health and Safety Engineer)
Median pay
$59,920
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$39,910 – $96,660
People employed
12,190
Holland code
RIC
Realistic · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 4.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians pay by state
Annual median pay by state (43 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians salary in every state →
What environmental engineering technologists and technicians do
- 01Prepare and package environmental samples for shipping or testing.
- 02Review technical documents to ensure completeness and conformance to requirements.
- 03Assist in the cleanup of hazardous material spills.
- 04Perform environmental quality work in field or office settings.
- 05Prepare permit applications or review compliance with environmental permits.
- 06Oversee support staff.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Speaking
- Science
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Chemistry
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from environmental engineering technologists and technicians
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health90% · −8%
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians84% · −11%
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors83% · group pay
- Environmental Engineers81% · +79%
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health80% · +37%
Change into environmental engineering technologists and technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health90% · $55,090
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians85% · $53,350
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors83% · $80,730
- Nuclear Monitoring Technicians77% · $110,240
- Solar Energy Systems Engineers75% · $122,930
Majors that lead here
- Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician
- Environmental/Environmental Engineering Technology/Technician
- Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology/Technician
- Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology/Technician
- Environmental Toxicology
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.