Career comparison
Environmental Science Professor vs. Environmental Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Environmental science professors earn more at the median ($94,980 vs. $55,090), while environmental technicians usually get to work faster (About 2 years of training). Environmental science professors teach how people and the environment interact, and how to protect it. Environmental technicians collect and test air, water and soil samples to monitor pollution and protect health.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Environmental Science Professor | Environmental Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $94,980 | $55,090 ($26.49/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $57,780 – $164,190 | $38,170 – $94,160 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.7% (about as fast as average) | +6.9% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 600 | 5,300 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | Associate's degree |
| Training time | 5–7 years after a bachelor’s | About 2 years |
| Key credential | Ph.D. in environmental science | OSHA HAZWOPER 40-hour |
| Work setting | Faculty work in classrooms, labs and field sites.. | Environmental technicians work in the field (at industrial sites, construction projects, landfills, rivers and remediation sites) and in labs and offices. |
What each job does
Environmental Science Professor
- Teach environmental science courses
- Lead field sampling labs
- Conduct research
- Partner with communities and agencies
- Mentor students
Environmental Technician
- Collect air, water, soil and waste samples using approved methods
- Calibrate and operate field monitoring instruments
- Complete chain-of-custody forms and field logs
- Conduct stormwater, spill and compliance inspections
- Perform laboratory tests and prepare samples for labs
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working outdoors, working independently, and helping others. They sit in different fields, education & childcare and safety & environmental, but share transferable skills such as communication and attention to detail.
Which should you choose?
Choose environmental science professor if…
- I care about the environment
- I like field research
- I enjoy teaching
Choose environmental technician if…
- I care about clean air, water and land
- I like working outdoors and in a lab
- I’m careful and precise with records
Still torn? Take the Environmental Science Professor fit quiz and the Environmental Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, environmental science professor or environmental technician?
Environmental Science Professors earn more at the median: $94,980 versus $55,090 for environmental technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Environmental Technicians typically train faster (About 2 years) than environmental science professors (5–7 years after a bachelor’s).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects environmental technicians to grow +6.9% from 2025–35, compared with +2.7% for environmental science professors.