FAQ
Environmental Engineering Technician FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an environmental engineering technician.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an environmental engineering technician: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about environmental engineering technicians
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.
Is environmental engineering technician a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +3.1% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 1,100 openings each year. Upsides include outdoor, hands-on work with purpose; a common challenge is that exposure to contaminated materials.
What skills does an environmental engineering technician need?
Key technical skills include environmental sampling, field instrument calibration, remediation system operation, and chain of custody. Employers also value attention to detail, independence, and communication.
What certifications are available for environmental engineering technicians?
Common credentials include OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER, 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher, Stormwater inspector certification, and DOT hazardous materials shipping training. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Environmental Engineering Technician fit quiz, compare with Environmental Technician, or explore Environmental Engineering Technician training.
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.