Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians graduates earn $66,185 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.1%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. HVAC Technician is among the highest-growth roles in the field.
About Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians is a focused area of study within Engineering Tech. Graduates typically earn around $66,185 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 357 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 8,781 students complete this program each year, most earning a certificate. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$47,936
Median Earnings · 4yr
$66,185
Colleges Offering
357
Graduates / Year
8,781
Avg Net Price / yr
$17,264
How Much Do Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians Graduates Earn?
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians graduates earn $66,185 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,340 and $91,075. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $47,936 climbs to $66,185 by year four.
$47,936
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.
$66,185
4-Year National Median
Above the national median for college graduates.
$69,956
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.
$46,34025th pct.
$66,185Median
$91,07575th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $66,185 against an estimated $69,056 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 19 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 8,781 students who complete Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians programs each year, the majority (75%) earn a certificate degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
75%20%
Certificate75%
Associate's20%
Bachelor's2%
What Can You Do With an Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians Degree?
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians connects to 4 occupations in the job market. HVAC Technician leads at $61,010/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
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.
Maintain project logbook records or computer program files.
Record laboratory or field data, including numerical data, test results, photographs, or summaries of visual observations.
Perform environmental quality work in field or office settings.
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.
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.
High school diploma or equivalent5,000 openings/yr52K employed nationally
MonitoringCritical ThinkingOperation and ControlActive ListeningOperations Monitoring
Day-to-day responsibilities
Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.
Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work.
Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.
Identify asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices.
Top Colleges for Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Engineering Tech Programs
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians is one of 19 specializations within Engineering Tech. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
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Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians Degree: Pros & Cons
Strong earnings and positive career growth make Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians a solid option. The 4 strengths and 0 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.
PROS
Above-average earningsFour-year median of $66,185 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $47,936 at graduation to $66,185 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +8.1% over the next decade, with HVAC Technician among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 51,800 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians graduates earn a national median of $66,185 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,340 and $91,075. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians degree?
One year after graduation, Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians degree holders earn a median of $47,936. That climbs to $66,185 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians degree?
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians degree holders pursue careers including HVAC Technician, which pays a median of $61,010/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians program take?
Most Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians certificate programs take one to two years of full-time study. Some are available in as little as one semester at community colleges.
How many colleges offer Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians?
357 colleges and universities in the United States offer Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $66,185 and an average net price of roughly $17,264/yr, a Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians and Engineering Tech?
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering Tech field. The Engineering Tech major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians graduates?
Employers hiring Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians graduates?
The job outlook for Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +3.6% job growth over the next 10 years. HVAC Technician is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
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