Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
SOC Code: 19-4042Also known as:
Air Analyst, Air Pollution Auditor, Air Quality Technician (Air Quality Tech), Analytical Lab Tech (Analytical Laboratory Technician), Asbestos Abatement Technician (Asbestos Abatement Tech)
Median Annual Salary
$49,490
+4.0% growth (2024-2034)
6K
Openings/Year
40K
Current Jobs
What 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.
💰 Salary
$49,490
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.0%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
6K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
40,400
Projected Employment (2034)
42,100
Related Careers
Compliance officers
$78,420 •
+3.0% growth
Environmental engineers
$104,170 •
+3.9% growth
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians
$58,890 •
+1.2% growth
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
$80,060 •
+4.4% growth
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
$58,260 •
-6.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Provide information or technical or program assistance to government representatives, employers, or the general public on the issues of public health, environmental protection, or workplace safety.
- Maintain files, such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information, or diagrams showing equipment locations.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a environmental science and protection technicians, including health:
Environmental Science
10,679 degrees awarded •
619 colleges offer this program
Sustainability Studies
4,374 degrees awarded •
226 colleges offer this program
Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
2,518 degrees awarded •
56 colleges offer this program
Geography and Environmental Studies
1,008 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician
905 degrees awarded •
53 colleges offer this program
Environmental/Environmental Engineering Technology/Technician
241 degrees awarded •
31 colleges offer this program
Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology/Technician
130 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Environmental Geosciences
96 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Environmental Toxicology
78 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
Environmental Chemistry
20 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become environmental science and protection technicians, including health.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental science and protection technicians, including health make?
The median annual salary for environmental science and protection technicians, including health is $49,490.
What education do environmental science and protection technicians, including health need?
Most environmental science and protection technicians, including health positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Environmental Science, Sustainability Studies, Science Technologies/Technicians, Other.
Is becoming a environmental science and protection technicians, including health a good career choice?
Environmental science and protection technicians, including health is projected to see +4.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 5,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for environmental science and protection technicians, including health?
Top colleges for aspiring environmental science and protection technicians, including health include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Harvard University, Columbia University in the City of New York, University of Florida.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to environmental science and protection technicians, including health?
Environmental science and protection technicians, including health may also be known as: Air Analyst, Air Pollution Auditor, Air Quality Technician (Air Quality Tech), Analytical Lab Tech (Analytical Laboratory Technician), Asbestos Abatement Technician (Asbestos Abatement Tech), Asbestos Microscopist, Biological Lab Tech (Biological Laboratory Technician), Biotechnician, Certified Indoor Environmentalist, Chemical Lab Tech (Chemical Laboratory Technician), Compliance Technician (Compliance Tech), Decontamination Technician (Decontamination Tech), Emergency Spill Response Technician (Emergency Spill Response Tech), Energy and Conservation Technician (Energy and Conservation Tech), Environmental Analyst, Environmental Compliance Technician (Environmental Compliance Tech), Environmental Field Technician (Environmental Field Tech), Environmental Health Officer (EHO), Environmental Lab Tech (Environmental Laboratory Technician), Environmental Monitoring Technician (Environmental Monitoring Tech).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.