HandsOnward
Sign InBuild My Roadmap

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed

Compare to another career

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $55,090/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$38,170$94,160

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +4% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.

About 5,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Reading ComprehensionWritingSpeakingActive ListeningCritical ThinkingScienceMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingActive Learning
Top knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceChemistryEnglish LanguageBiologyLaw and GovernmentMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and Technology
Core tasks

• 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.

• Weigh, analyze, or measure collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock, to determine concentration of pollutants.

• Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health?

The median pay for Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health is $55,090 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health?

Employment for Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health is projected to change +4% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health?

Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health?

About 5,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.