Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health.
Is environmental science and protection technicians, including health a good career?
It scores 16/100 and ranks #464 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Tracked in official BLS wage and projection data, so the numbers here are verifiable
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($55,090 vs $61,390)
What environmental science and protection technicians, including health earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. environmental science and protection technicians, including health earn between $45,820 and $69,910 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live environmental science and protection technicians, including health jobs
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- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow as fast as average through 2034.
Education
Environmental science and protection technicians typically need at least an associate’s degree in environmental science, environmental health, or public health, or a related field. Depending on the position, however, educational requirements may vary from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree.
A background in natural sciences—including classes in chemistry, biology, and physics—is important for environmental science and protection technicians. College students should take science courses that provide laboratory experience. Coursework in math, statistics, and computer science also is useful for data analysis and modeling.
Training
Technicians whose jobs involve handling hazardous waste typically need to complete training that meets Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) standards. The length of training may depend on the type of hazardous material that workers handle. The training covers health hazards, personal protective equipment and clothing, site safety, recognizing and identifying hazards, and decontamination.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some states have specific requirements, such as a license or registration, for environmental science and protection technicians. Check with your state licensing agency
Employers may prefer that workers have or plan to obtain a regular driver’s license or commercial driver’s license (CDL). OSHA certification, such as the HAZWOPER, also may be helpful.
These workers also may obtain optional certification to conduct certain types of environmental and health inspections.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Environmental science and protection technicians evaluate the results of laboratory and field tests that they carry out.
Attention to detail. Environmental science and protection technicians must follow precise directions in collecting, tracking, and testing samples and in documenting results.
Communication skills. Environmental science and protection technicians need good writing and speaking skills. They must be able to share the results of their work in reports and need to discuss results with colleagues, clients, and, sometimes, the public.
Interpersonal skills. Environmental science and protection technicians often work with scientists and other technicians, so they need to collaborate with others as part of a team.
Problem-solving skills. Environmental science and protection technicians use sound reasoning and judgment to reach conclusions. They must determine the best way to address environmental hazards.
Related occupations
How much do environmental science and protection technicians, including health make?
The national median wage is $55,090 a year, with the middle half earning between $45,820 and $69,910 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is environmental science and protection technicians, including health a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 16 of 100 and ranks #464 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +4.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a environmental science and protection technicians, including health?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree.
Where do environmental science and protection technicians, including health earn the most?
Among states, Washington pays the highest median ($67,160). Local pay for every state and metro is below.