How to become an Environmental Science and Protection Technician

Official title: Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

Also called: Environmental Health Officer (EHO), Environmental Technician (Environmental Tech), Industrial Pretreatment Program Specialist (IPP Specialist), Lab Technician (Laboratory Technician), Public Health Sanitarian, Sanitarian, Sanitarian Specialist, Soil Lab Technician (Soil Laboratory Technician), Water Quality Analyst, Water Quality Specialist

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.

Main tasks

• 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.

How to become one

Environmental science and protection technicians typically need an associate's degree. Depending on the position, however, educational requirements may vary from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree.

Typical education to start: Associate's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Laboratory Assistant.
• Certificate or associate's degree: Associate's degree. Programs such as Environmental Science; Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician; Environmental/Environmental Engineering Technology/Technician
• Licence: A licence is required in 23 states.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $55,090 a year The middle half earn $45,820 to $69,910.
• About 36,400 people work in this job now, and about 38,900 are projected by 2035. (+6.9%)
• People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Related jobs

• Hydrologic Technicians
• Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
• Agricultural Technicians
• Precision Agriculture Technicians
• Food Science Technicians
• Biological Technicians

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Environmental Science and Protection Technician?

Environmental science and protection technicians typically need an associate's degree. Depending on the position, however, educational requirements may vary from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree.

How much does an Environmental Science and Protection Technician earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $55,090 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $45,820 to $69,910.

Is an Environmental Science and Protection Technician a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2035, from about 36,400 to about 38,900 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become an Environmental Science and Protection Technician?

Not always. 41% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Associate's degree; Laboratory Assistant.

Will AI change the work of an Environmental Science and Protection Technician?

People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.