Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.
What it pays
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $28.81/hr — about $60,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $19.19/hr; the top 10% earn $46.47/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $28.81/hr — about $60,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $19.19/hr; the top 10% earn $46.47/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- Maintain project logbook records or computer program files.
- Record laboratory or field data, including numerical data, test results, photographs, or summaries of visual observations.
- Perform environmental quality work in field or office settings.
- Produce environmental assessment reports, tabulating data and preparing charts, graphs, or sketches.
- Collect and analyze pollution samples, such as air or ground water.
- Decontaminate or test field equipment used to clean or test pollutants from soil, air, or water.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Associate degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
The feel of the work
Much of the work happens outdoors. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 1.2% of environmental engineering technologists and technicians are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, analytical and organized and detail-focused.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
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Quick questions
- How much does a environmental engineering technologists and technician make?
- The median pay is $28.81 per hour — roughly $60,000 a year, with the real range running from about $19.19/hr (10th percentile) to $46.47/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a environmental engineering technologists and technician?
- The typical entry-level education is: Associate degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
- What does a environmental engineering technologists and technician actually do all day?
- Maintain project logbook records or computer program files. Record laboratory or field data, including numerical data, test results, photographs, or summaries of visual observations. Perform environmental quality work in field or office settings.
Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.