Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians apply engineering principles to equipment and systems that prevent, control, and remediate environmental problems such as waste treatment and site contamination. They work under the direction of engineers or scientists in settings including treatment facilities, industrial sites, government agencies, and environmental consulting firms.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against environmental engineering technologists and technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Work typically involves operating and maintaining environmental control equipment, collecting and analyzing samples from air, water, or soil, inspecting treatment systems for compliance, and documenting findings in reports. Technicians may spend time both in offices reviewing data and in the field at remediation sites or treatment facilities. Tasks include calibrating instruments, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and assisting engineers with site assessments and testing protocols.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this work if you enjoy hands-on problem-solving with observable results and want to understand how things work (Realistic), combined with a drive to investigate causes and test solutions systematically (Investigative). You're detail-oriented, comfortable with technical equipment, and motivated by environmental protection.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Maintenance Shop Technician · Republic Services · Dixon, Solano County · $71,014–$71,014
- US Tech - Vendor Alliance Senior Manager · PwC · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $218,956–$218,956
- Emergency Department Technician II · KAISER · Roseville, Placer County · $56,302–$56,302
- Customer Service Technician · Agiliti Health · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $39,748–$61,172
- Financial Accounts Technician · Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration · Leavenworth, Kansas · $46150–$59994
- Pharmacy Technician (Inpatient Oncology) · Veterans Health Administration · Long Beach, California · $80677–$104876
- Medical Technician · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Maxwell AFB, Alabama · $50460–$65599
- Surgical Technician · Veterans Health Administration · Saint Cloud, Minnesota · $55012–$71517
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $66,670 | $100,050 | $109,220 | 270 |
| Oregon | $76,500 | $80,770 | $99,620 | 140 |
| Tennessee | $62,420 | $80,100 | $95,800 | 450 |
| Alaska | $72,800 | $77,860 | $83,980 | 40 |
| Nevada | $62,760 | $75,330 | $100,730 | 70 |
| Maryland | $59,500 | $67,510 | $98,810 | 250 |
| Massachusetts | $53,810 | $66,860 | $81,940 | 320 |
| Arizona | $51,400 | $65,420 | $82,290 | 190 |
| Maine | $61,250 | $64,660 | $65,150 | — |
| South Carolina | $56,190 | $63,200 | $82,280 | 220 |
| New York | $52,190 | $62,540 | $74,220 | 470 |
| Idaho | $49,620 | $62,240 | $100,310 | 80 |
All 43 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Fundamentals of Engineering - Environmental (FE-ENV) — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- Board Certified Environmental Engineer - Environmental Sustainability — American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
- Associate Environmental Professional (AEP) — National Registry of Environmental Professionals
- Certified Environmental Scientist (CES) — National Registry of Environmental Professionals
- Certified Water Technologist (CWT) — Association of Water Technologies
- Environmental Professional In-Training (EPI) — Board for Global EHS Credentialing
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against environmental engineering technologists and technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-3025.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.