How much does a environmental tech make?

In the United States, pay can vary with experience, skills, safety training or permits, employer or industry, and location. Specialized cleanup work or jobs with greater responsibility can also bring different pay.

Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.

What's a typical day like?

They may use pumps outdoors to collect water, soil, or air samples, then test them in a lab and record the results. They also inspect sites and check pollution-control equipment, reporting findings to engineers.

In the U.S., study science and math in high school, then earn an associate degree in environmental engineering technology. Some jobs need hazardous-waste permits or HAZWOPER training, and newcomers start under an experienced technician.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and figuring things out.

Some environmental techs help arrange safe disposal of asbestos and lead—not just test water and soil.