Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn $59,920 nationally at the median. The middle 50% of workers fall between $48,200 and $75,960. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and experience.
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.
Also known as:
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn $59,920 nationally, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $48,200 and $75,960. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
Near the national median for college graduates.
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
Hands-on tasks, physical activity, or working with tools and real materials are central parts of the daily work here.
This career demands analytical thinking: researching problems, interpreting data, and applying logical reasoning to find practical solutions.
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
Moderate pressure. Regular deadlines exist but are generally manageable with experience.
The BLS projects +1.2% employment change for Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians through 2034, below the national average of +5%. About 1,100 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
Slower than average.
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
The five states below employ the most Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $59,920 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 1,160 | $72,140 | +20.4% |
| 2 | Georgia | 880 | $68,750 | +14.7% |
| 3 | Texas | 830 | $56,930 | -5.0% |
| 4 | New York | 800 | $60,010 | +0.2% |
| 5 | Tennessee | 670 | $71,210 | +18.8% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
Most Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians positions require a associate's degree to qualify. The 3 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
These positions typically require a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience before advancing into senior roles.
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians | 8,781 | $66,185 | 357 |
| 2 | Quality Control Tech | 3,540 | $86,525 | 171 |
| 3 | Pharmacology | 1,179 | $68,883 | 130 |
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA | 93 | $12,548 | $82,511 |
| 2 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA | 93 | $13,481 | $92,446 |
| 3 | University of California-Irvine Irvine, CA | 92 | $14,251 | $80,735 |
| 4 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta, GA | 91 | $12,116 | $102,772 |
| 5 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI | 91 | $13,138 | $83,648 |
| 6 | Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN | 90 | $15,846 | $91,565 |
Once you've sized up Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
See if the degree that leads to Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
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The data on Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians shows 2 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are drawn from BLS wage data, employment projections, and IPEDS program completions.
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