Conservation Technician
Measure forests, maintain trails and help manage land, wildlife and water resources.
- $54,560/yr median
- -2.1% growth
- 2 years
Career field
Safety & Environmental Careers
Protect workers, communities and natural resources through inspection, cleanup and compliance.
Safety and environmental careers exist because every workplace, building and water system has rules designed to keep people alive and healthy. These professionals inspect, test, clean up and teach, and they are often the people who stop an incident before it happens.
Many roles require specific federal or state training, such as OSHA HAZWOPER for hazardous waste work or state operator certification for water treatment. That training is a real barrier to entry, which helps keep demand and pay steady for those who earn it.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
17 safety and environmental careers
Construction and Building Inspector
Inspect buildings and construction to make sure they meet codes and approved plans.
- $74,690/yr median
- 0.0% growth
- Several years of trade experience + certification
Environmental Engineering Technician
Help engineers monitor, test and clean up pollution in soil, water and air.
- $59,920/yr median
- +3.1% growth
- 2 years
Environmental Health Specialist
Inspect restaurants, pools, water and housing to protect public health.
- $82,220/yr median
- +6.1% growth
- 4 years
Environmental Technician
Collect and test air, water and soil samples to monitor pollution and protect health.
- $55,090/yr median
- +6.9% growth
- About 2 years
Fire Alarm Technician
Install, test and service fire alarm and security systems that protect buildings.
- $60,070/yr median
- +6.8% growth
- 6–12 months on the job
Fire Inspector
Inspect buildings for fire hazards and investigate the cause of fires.
- $75,920/yr median
- +4.2% growth
- 1–2 years plus experience
Forest Fire Prevention Specialist
Prevent wildfires through patrols, inspections, education and early detection.
- $56,870/yr median
- +13.1% growth
- 1–2 fire seasons
Hazardous Materials Technician
Safely remove and clean up asbestos, lead, chemicals and other hazardous materials.
- $49,450/yr median
- +1.5% growth
- 1–4 weeks of required training
Occupational Safety Specialist
Find workplace hazards, train workers and keep companies compliant with OSHA.
- $90,150/yr median
- +18.5% growth
- 2–4 years
Pest Control Technician
Inspect for and control insects, rodents and other pests in homes and businesses.
- $45,250/yr median
- +5.5% growth
- 1–3 months
Refuse Collector
Collect trash, recycling and yard waste to keep communities clean and healthy.
- $49,690/yr median
- +2.1% growth
- 1–8 weeks
Safety Engineer
Design systems, processes and products that prevent injuries, illness and damage.
- $115,160/yr median
- +5.4% growth
- 4 years
Safety Technician
Inspect workplaces, collect hazard data and help keep workers from getting hurt.
- $61,560/yr median
- +19.4% growth
- 6–12 months
Septic Tank Technician
Pump, inspect and repair septic systems and clean sewer lines.
- $49,880/yr median
- +7.8% growth
- 1–6 months on the job
Transportation Inspector
Inspect vehicles, aircraft, railroads and freight to enforce transportation safety rules.
- $92,100/yr median
- +2.2% growth
- 2–5 years of related experience
Water Treatment Plant Operator
Run the plants and systems that clean drinking water and treat wastewater.
- $60,020/yr median
- -5.7% growth
- Months to years (on the job + certification)
Compare safety and environmental careers
| # | Career | Median pay | Growth 2025–35 | Training time | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Safety Engineer | $115,160 | +5.4% | 4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 2 | Transportation Inspector | $92,100 | +2.2% | 2–5 years of related experience | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 3 | Occupational Safety Specialist | $90,150 | +18.5% | 2–4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 4 | Environmental Health Specialist | $82,220 | +6.1% | 4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 5 | Fire Inspector | $75,920 | +4.2% | 1–2 years plus experience | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 6 | Construction and Building Inspector | $74,690 | 0.0% | Several years of trade experience + certification | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 7 | Safety Technician | $61,560 | +19.4% | 6–12 months | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 8 | Fire Alarm Technician | $60,070 | +6.8% | 6–12 months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 9 | Water Treatment Plant Operator | $60,020 | -5.7% | Months to years (on the job + certification) | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 10 | Environmental Engineering Technician | $59,920 | +3.1% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 11 | Forest Fire Prevention Specialist | $56,870 | +13.1% | 1–2 fire seasons | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 12 | Environmental Technician | $55,090 | +6.9% | About 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 13 | Conservation Technician | $54,560 | -2.1% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 14 | Septic Tank Technician | $49,880 | +7.8% | 1–6 months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 15 | Refuse Collector | $49,690 | +2.1% | 1–8 weeks | No formal educational credential |
| 16 | Hazardous Materials Technician | $49,450 | +1.5% | 1–4 weeks of required training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 17 | Pest Control Technician | $45,250 | +5.5% | 1–3 months | High school diploma or equivalent |
Getting hired in safety and environmental
Pair a recognized safety certificate with clear writing skills: reports and documentation are a big part of these jobs.
What affects pay in this field
- Required credentials (HAZWOPER, CSP, state inspector or operator licenses)
- Government versus private-sector employment
- Hazard level and emergency-response duties
- Industry (construction, energy, chemical and federal contracting)
Find your fit
Take the Safety & Environmental career quiz to see which of these roles matches your interests best.
Safety & Environmental careers FAQ
What is the highest-paying safety and environmental career on this list?
Safety Engineer has the highest median pay among our safety and environmental profiles at $115,160 per year (BLS, May 2025).
Which safety and environmental career is fastest to start?
Hazardous Materials Technician typically takes about 1–4 weeks of required training of training.
Which safety and environmental career is growing fastest?
Safety Technician, with projected growth of +19.4% from 2025–35 (much faster than average).
How do I choose the right safety and environmental career?
Compare day-to-day duties, training time and pay, then take our Safety & Environmental career quiz for a personalized match. Reading a day in the life for your top two choices helps a lot.