Environmental Technician
Collect and test air, water and soil samples to monitor pollution and protect health.
- $55,090
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Safety & Environmental career
Environmental Health Specialist
Also called: Sanitarian · Health Inspector · Restaurant Inspector · REHS
What environmental health specialists 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 health specialist do?
Environmental health specialists inspect food establishments, pools, water systems, septic systems and housing, investigate complaints and outbreaks, and enforce public health laws. The median pay is $82,220 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years, and employment is projected to grow +6.1% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$82,220$39.53/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+6.1%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year7,300Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs93,400Employment, 2025
What environmental health specialists do
Environmental health specialists, often called sanitarians or health inspectors, protect communities from health hazards in the places people eat, swim, live and work. They inspect restaurants and food plants, review plans for new businesses, test pools and wells, permit septic systems, investigate foodborne illness and respond to complaints about mold, lead, pests and sewage.
Most work for city, county or state health departments, though some work in industry and consulting. A bachelor’s degree in environmental health or a science is typical, and many states require registration such as the REHS/RS credential. The work combines science, regulation and communication with the public.
Typical duties
- Inspect restaurants, food stores and processors
- Review plans for new food and pool facilities
- Test pools, private wells and water supplies
- Evaluate and permit septic systems
- Investigate complaints and foodborne illness outbreaks
- Enforce health codes and write reports
- Educate businesses and the public
Work environment and schedule
Specialists work in health department offices and in the field at restaurants, pools, homes and businesses. They drive between sites and sometimes work in unpleasant conditions such as sewage or pest infestations.
Schedule: Most work full-time weekdays, with occasional evening or weekend inspections and on-call emergency response.
A day in the life
- Review today’s routine inspections and new complaints at the county office.
- Inspect a restaurant, checking food temperatures, handwashing and storage.
- Take water samples and check chemical levels at a public pool.
- Investigate a complaint about sewage surfacing in a backyard.
See a full day in the life of an environmental health specialist →
Environmental Health Specialist salary
Half of environmental health specialists earned more than $82,220 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $52,520 for the lowest 10% to $140,010 for the top 10%.
Full environmental health specialist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an environmental health specialist
- Earn a science degree
- Get hired as a trainee
- Complete standardization
- Earn REHS/RS registration
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in environmental health, biology, chemistry or a related science is typical. Accredited environmental health programs are preferred by many health departments.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an environmental health specialist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Food code knowledge
- Inspection techniques
- Water and pool testing
- Septic system evaluation
- Outbreak investigation
People skills
- Communication
- Diplomacy
- Objectivity
- Problem solving
All environmental health specialist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Public service that protects health
- Variety and time in the field
- Government jobs with good benefits
- Science applied to everyday life
Cons
- Enforcement can create conflict
- Unpleasant conditions at times
- Lots of documentation
- Government pay scales may lag private sector
Certifications and licenses
- Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS/RS): National credential from NEHA.
- State sanitarian registration: Required by many states to inspect independently.
- Certified Professional–Food Safety (CP-FS): NEHA credential for food safety professionals.
- Certified Pool Operator (CPO): Pool and spa operation training.
Career path
- Environmental Health Trainee: Learn inspections and codes.
- Environmental Health Specialist: Inspect and enforce independently.
- Senior Specialist or Program Supervisor: Lead programs such as food or water.
- Environmental Health Director: Lead a health department’s environmental programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Environmental Health Specialist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as conduct a restaurant inspection and test pool water chemistry, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Health Inspector vs. Environmental Technician · Health Inspector vs. Food Science Technician · Health Inspector vs. Septic Tank Technician · Health Inspector vs. Health Educator
Environmental Health Specialist FAQ
Do health inspectors need a degree?
Usually a bachelor’s degree in a science is required.
What is the REHS?
A national credential from the National Environmental Health Association.
Where do environmental health specialists work?
Mostly local and state health departments, plus industry and consulting.
How much does an environmental health specialist make?
The median annual wage for environmental health specialists was $82,220 ($39.53 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $52,520 and the highest 10% earned more than $140,010.
How long does it take to become an environmental health specialist?
Most people need about 4 years of training. A bachelor’s degree in environmental health, biology, chemistry or a related science is typical. Accredited environmental health programs are preferred by many health departments.
Do you need a degree to be an environmental health specialist?
Usually. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, and many states require science coursework for registration. Some health departments hire environmental health technicians with associate degrees for assistant roles.
More environmental health specialist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-2041 (Environmental scientists and specialists, including health).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Environmental scientists and specialists, including health (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.