Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
SOC code 19-4042 · O*NET-SOC 19-4042.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$55,090
a year
Hourly
$26.49
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$60,800
$29.23 per hour
Middle 50%
$45,820 – $69,910
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$38,170 – $94,160
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
34,670
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $38,170
- $18.35/hr
- 25th percentile
- $45,820
- $22.03/hr
- Median percentile
- $55,090
- $26.49/hr
- 75th percentile
- $69,910
- $33.61/hr
- 90th percentile
- $94,160
- $45.27/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+4%
Growing faster than average
40,400
jobs in 2024
42,100
projected for 2034
About 1,700 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 science and protection technicians, including health do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to 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.
- 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.
- Initiate procedures to close down or fine establishments violating environmental or health regulations.
- Weigh, analyze, or measure collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock, to determine concentration of pollutants.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 68% 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 Degree68%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree23%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)5%
- Post-Secondary Certificate5%
Common questions
How much does an environmental science and protection technicians, including health earn?
The national median is $55,090 a year. The full range runs from $38,170 at the 10th percentile to $94,160 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 science and protection technicians, including health 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 science and protection technicians, including health in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 4% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than 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 Comprehension4.0/5
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Writing3.9/5
- Speaking3.9/5
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Science3.4/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
- Mathematics3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- Chemistry3.5/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Biology3.4/5
- Law and Government3.4/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
- Mathematics3.4/5
- Engineering and Technology3.0/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.