Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
O*NET 17-3025.00 · SOC 17-3025
Environmental Engineering Technologist is a solid career choice. Median pay is $60k a year with +3.1% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 1,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Collect air, water, and soil samples for environmental testing.
- →Operate monitoring equipment to measure pollution levels at sites.
- →Assist engineers in designing pollution control and remediation systems.
- →Inspect industrial facilities for compliance with environmental regulations.
- →Prepare reports summarizing environmental sampling and monitoring results.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Environmental Engineering Technologist roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Environmental Engineering Technologist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Environmental Engineering Technologist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Environmental Engineering Technologist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians is projected to grow 3.1% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·34% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Environmental Engineering Technologist make?
The median Environmental Engineering Technologist earns $60k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Environmental Engineering Technologist jobs?
Our model puts Environmental Engineering Technologist at 40 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 34% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Environmental Engineering Technologist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 3.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 1,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Environmental Engineering Technologist?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Environmental Engineering Technologist roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Environmental Engineering Technologist?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Environmental Engineering Technologist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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