Environmental Science Technician

Explore This Path

Ideal for those passionate about protecting the environment and public health.
Play a crucial role in identifying and mitigating pollution sources.
Unique chance to work both in labs and outdoors, collecting vital environmental data.

💰 Earn $47K-$80K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 24–48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 7% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll 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.

Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
Develop or implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution or radiation.
Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Associate Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

2 to 4 years

Job Openings

4,100 Annually

Median Earnings

$58,640 in California

$50,660 Nationally

$25K

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$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Environmental Science Technician? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@technically.a.tech

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Writing

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having support
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Environmental Science Technician

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years