Environmental Science and Protection Technicians
O*NET title: Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Also called: Environmental Science Technicians
Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
Also called: Air Analyst, Air Pollution Auditor, Air Quality Technician (Air Quality Tech), Analytical Lab Tech (Analytical Laboratory Technician), Asbestos Abatement Technician (Asbestos Abatement Tech), Asbestos Microscopist
Median pay
$55,090
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$38,170 – $94,160
People employed
34,670
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.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 2.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 3.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 4.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 5.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 6.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Work outdoors in all weather
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians salary in every state →
What environmental science and protection technicians do
- 01Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- 02Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
- 03Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- 04Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
- 05Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
- 06Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Science
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Biology
- Law and Government
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- 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: none.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
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 science and protection technicians
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors92% · group pay
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians90% · +9%
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health89% · +49%
- Conservation Scientists86% · +33%
- Environmental Engineers83% · +94%
Change into environmental science and protection technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors92% · $80,730
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians90% · $59,920
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers82% · $141,900
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians82% · $61,560
- Water/Wastewater Engineers77% · $100,840
Majors that lead here
- Environmental Science
- Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician
- Environmental/Environmental Engineering Technology/Technician
- Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology/Technician
- Environmental Toxicology
- Sustainability Studies
- Environmental Geosciences
- Geography and Environmental Studies
- Environmental Chemistry
- Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.