Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians: Salary, Outlook, and How to Join

How much Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn

The median annual wage for Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians is $59,920, with a mean annual wage of $64,870—roughly $29 per hour. Pay varies widely by experience, location, and industry. The lowest-paid 10% earn below $39,910, while the highest-paid 10% bring in over $96,660.

Industries with the highest employment include engineering services, waste management, and government agencies. Those working for the federal executive branch earn a mean of $77,920, while technical consulting services pay a mean of $69,720. Experience and certifications often drive salary growth beyond the median.

Pay by state

Where you work has a big impact on your paycheck. Washington is the highest-paying state, with an annual mean wage of $100,050. Oregon ($80,770), Tennessee ($80,100), Alaska ($77,860), and Nevada ($75,330) also pay above the national average. On the lower end, Mississippi ($36,680), New Hampshire ($39,880), and Arkansas ($45,290) trail the national median significantly. High-paying areas often have a concentration of environmental consulting firms or government agencies focused on natural resources.

• Top 5 highest-paying states: Washington ($100,050), Oregon ($80,770), Tennessee ($80,100), Alaska ($77,860), Nevada ($75,330)
• Lowest-paying states: Arkansas ($45,290), New Hampshire ($39,880), Mississippi ($36,680)

How to become Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technician

Most Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians start with an associate degree in environmental engineering technology, civil engineering technology, or a related field from a community college or technical school. Some hold a bachelor's degree, especially those entering advanced technical roles. High school coursework in math, chemistry, and physics is recommended.

After formal education, on-the-job training is common—lasting from a few months to a year. While not always required, professional certification can improve job prospects. The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure and the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists offer credentials like the Engineering in Training (EIT) or Certified Environmental Technician (CET). Many technicians start as interns or junior staff under experienced engineers.

• Step 1: Earn an associate degree in environmental engineering technology or a related field.
• Step 2: Complete on-the-job training (often 6–12 months).
• Step 3: Consider voluntary certification (e.g., CET, EIT) to boost career advancement.

Job outlook

Employment of Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians is projected to grow 1.2% from 2024 to 2034—slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 1,100 job openings per year, largely due to the need to replace workers who retire or change fields. Growth will be driven by ongoing environmental regulations, infrastructure upgrades, and cleanup of contaminated sites. However, automation and advances in technology may limit the creation of new technician roles. The best opportunities will be for those with strong technical skills and certifications.

Frequently asked questions