How much does an environmental tech make?
a year · about $29 an hour
A typical environmental tech in the United States makes $59,920 a year, about $29 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? Some environmental techs help arrange safe disposal of asbestos and lead—not just test water and soil.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $39,910 and $96,660How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like building and doing and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($100,050), lowest in Mississippi ($36,680).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $39,910 | $59,920 | $96,660 | about 12,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $100,050 | about 270 |
| Oregon | $80,770 | about 140 |
| Tennessee | $80,100 | about 450 |
| Alaska | $77,860 | about 40 |
| Nevada | $75,330 | about 70 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/environmental-engineering-technicia
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-3025.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes173025.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY