Environmental Technician FAQ

BLS lists an associate degree as typical, often in environmental science or a related technology. Some employers hire bachelor’s graduates for technician roles.

Many roles mix field sampling and inspections with lab and office work. Some are mostly lab-based.

Technicians working on hazardous waste or contaminated sites generally need OSHA HAZWOPER training.

The median annual wage for environmental technicians was $55,090 ($26.49 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,170 and the highest 10% earned more than $94,160.

Most people need about About 2 years of training. BLS lists an associate degree as typical, often in environmental science, chemistry or a related technology. Some technicians have bachelor’s degrees, and field roles commonly require HAZWOPER training.

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.

It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +6.9% from 2025–35 (faster than average), with about 5,300 openings each year. Upsides include mix of outdoor field work and lab or office work; a common challenge is that field work in bad weather and dirty conditions.

Key technical skills include environmental sampling methods, field instrument calibration, chain-of-custody documentation, and stormwater and compliance inspection. Employers also value attention to detail, written communication, and independence in the field.

Common credentials include OSHA HAZWOPER 40-hour, Stormwater inspector certification, DOT hazmat shipping training, and First aid/CPR. Requirements vary by state and employer.