Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
SOC code 17-3025 · O*NET-SOC 17-3025.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$59,920
a year
Hourly
$28.81
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$64,870
$31.19 per hour
Middle 50%
$48,200 – $75,960
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$39,910 – $96,660
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
12,190
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $39,910
- $19.19/hr
- 25th percentile
- $48,200
- $23.18/hr
- Median percentile
- $59,920
- $28.81/hr
- 75th percentile
- $75,960
- $36.52/hr
- 90th percentile
- $96,660
- $46.47/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+1%
Growing about as fast as average
12,900
jobs in 2024
13,000
projected for 2034
About 100 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do environmental engineering technologists and technicians do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Prepare and package environmental samples for shipping or testing.
- Review technical documents to ensure completeness and conformance to requirements.
- Assist in the cleanup of hazardous material spills.
- Perform environmental quality work in field or office settings.
- Prepare permit applications or review compliance with environmental permits.
- Oversee support staff.
- Receive, set up, test, or decontaminate equipment.
- Arrange for the disposal of lead, asbestos, or other hazardous materials.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 67% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree67%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)11%
- Post-Secondary Certificate8%
- Some College Courses7%
Common questions
How much does an environmental engineering technologists and technicians earn?
The national median is $59,920 a year. The full range runs from $39,910 at the 10th percentile to $96,660 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an environmental engineering technologists and technicians without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is environmental engineering technologists and technicians in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 1% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Critical Thinking3.9/5
- Active Learning3.8/5
- Speaking3.4/5
- Science3.4/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
- Writing3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Engineering and Technology3.7/5
- Mathematics3.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
- English Language3.4/5
- Chemistry3.4/5
- Mechanical3.2/5
- Physics3.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving.