Environmental Technician
Collect and test air, water and soil samples to monitor pollution and protect health.
- $55,090
- About 2 years
Safety & Environmental career
Environmental Engineering Technician
Also called: Environmental Technician (Engineering) · Remediation Technician · Field Technician · Environmental Compliance Technician
What environmental engineering technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an environmental engineering technician do?
Environmental engineering technicians carry out the plans of environmental engineers, collecting samples, operating monitoring and remediation equipment, and testing systems that prevent or clean up pollution. The median pay is $59,920 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2 years, and employment is projected to grow +3.1% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$59,920$28.81/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+3.1%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year1,100Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs12,500Employment, 2025
What environmental engineering technicians do
Environmental engineering technicians work in the field and lab on projects that protect air, water and soil. They install and sample monitoring wells, operate groundwater and soil remediation systems, test stormwater controls, inspect pollution control equipment and record data for engineers and regulators.
Most technicians have an associate degree in environmental engineering technology or a related field. Hazardous waste work requires OSHA HAZWOPER training. Jobs are found with environmental consulting firms, engineering firms, utilities, manufacturers and government agencies.
Typical duties
- Collect soil, water and air samples
- Install and maintain monitoring equipment
- Operate and maintain remediation systems
- Inspect stormwater and pollution controls
- Record field data and chain of custody
- Assist with permits and compliance reports
- Support engineers with site investigations
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work outdoors at industrial, construction and contaminated sites in all weather, and in offices and labs. Some sites require PPE and HAZWOPER-level precautions.
Schedule: Most work full-time weekdays, with occasional long field days, travel and overnight stays for remote sites.
A day in the life
- Calibrate field meters and load sampling gear into the truck.
- Purge and sample groundwater monitoring wells at a former gas station.
- Check a soil vapor extraction system and record pressures.
- Inspect stormwater controls at a construction site after rain.
See a full day in the life of an environmental engineering technician →
Environmental Engineering Technician salary
Half of environmental engineering technicians earned more than $59,920 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $39,910 for the lowest 10% to $96,660 for the top 10%.
Full environmental engineering technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an environmental engineering technician
- Study science and math
- Earn an associate degree
- Complete HAZWOPER
- Get hired by a consultant or agency
- Advance
An associate degree in environmental engineering technology, environmental science or a related field is typical. Some employers hire people with relevant certificates and field experience.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an environmental engineering technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Environmental sampling
- Field instrument calibration
- Remediation system operation
- Chain of custody
- Data recording and reporting
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Independence
- Communication
- Reliability
All environmental engineering technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Outdoor, hands-on work with purpose
- Associate degree entry
- Variety of sites and projects
- Path into environmental engineering and science
Cons
- Exposure to contaminated materials
- Weather and travel
- Physical field work
- Detailed documentation requirements
Certifications and licenses
- OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER: Required for work at hazardous waste sites.
- 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher: Annual refresher to keep HAZWOPER current.
- Stormwater inspector certification: Such as CPESC or state stormwater credentials.
- DOT hazardous materials shipping training: Required when shipping certain samples.
Career path
- Field Technician: Collect samples and data.
- Environmental Engineering Technician: Run systems and projects.
- Senior Technician or Project Scientist: Lead field programs.
- Project Manager or Engineer: Manage projects with more education.
Learn the job before day one
Our Environmental Engineering Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as sample a groundwater monitoring well and inspect construction stormwater controls, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Environmental Engineering Tech vs. Environmental Technician · Environmental Engineering Tech vs. Hazmat Technician · Environmental Engineering Tech vs. Water Operator · Environmental Engineering Tech vs. Civil Engineering Tech
Environmental Engineering Technician FAQ
Do environmental engineering technicians need a degree?
An associate degree is typical.
Is HAZWOPER required?
For hazardous waste sites, yes.
What’s the difference from an environmental technician?
They overlap; engineering technicians focus more on systems and engineering projects.
How much does an environmental engineering technician make?
The median annual wage for environmental engineering technicians was $59,920 ($28.81 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $39,910 and the highest 10% earned more than $96,660.
How long does it take to become an environmental engineering technician?
Most people need about 2 years of training. An associate degree in environmental engineering technology, environmental science or a related field is typical. Some employers hire people with relevant certificates and field experience.
Do you need a degree to be an environmental engineering technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
More environmental engineering technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-3025 (Environmental engineering technologists and technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Environmental engineering technologists and technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.