Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health earn a median of $26.49/hr — about $55,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $18.35/hr; the top 10% earn $45.27/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
- Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
- Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
- Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
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; much of the day is spent working solo; time pressure is a real part of the job. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 0% of environmental science and protection technicians, including health are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are analytical, hands-on 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
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Urban and Regional Planners
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
- Chemists
- School Psychologists
- Biological Scientists, All Other
Quick questions
- How much does a environmental science and protection technicians, including health make?
- The median pay is $26.49 per hour — roughly $55,000 a year, with the real range running from about $18.35/hr (10th percentile) to $45.27/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a environmental science and protection technicians, including health?
- The typical entry-level education is: Associate degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
- What does a environmental science and protection technicians, including health actually do all day?
- Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution. Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis. Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
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