Environmental Science and Geoscience Technicians: $55,440 median salary in 2025
Environmental science and geoscience technicians earn a median salary of $55,440 per year, or about $27 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's above the national median for all occupations and reflects the specialized lab and field skills these technicians bring to pollution control, natural resource management, and geological surveys.
How much Environmental Science and Geoscience Technicians earn
The typical range for these technicians is wide: the lowest-paid 10% earn $38,070 or less, while the top 10% bring in $95,740 or more. The mean annual wage hits $61,530.
Those in the middle half make between roughly $44,000 and $71,000. Pay varies by experience, employer type, and geographic location.
Pay by state
Unfortunately, the BLS does not provide sufficient state-level data to identify the highest- and lowest-paying states for this specific occupation, because the estimates are based on too few sample responses in many states. Generally, states that have large mining, oil and gas extraction, or environmental consulting sectors tend to pay more, but reliable figures are unavailable at this time.
How to become Environmental Science and Geoscience Technician
Most technicians enter the field with an associate degree in environmental science, geology, or a related science. Some positions accept a high school diploma plus relevant experience, but an associate degree is the standard credential.
- Step 1: Earn an associate degree in environmental science, geoscience, or a related field. Typical coursework includes chemistry, biology, geology, and math.
- Step 2: Gain hands-on experience through internships or entry-level lab/field work. Many employers prefer candidates who have worked with testing equipment or GIS software.
- Step 3: Consider voluntary certification, such as the National Association of Environmental Professionals' Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) credential, though it's not required for most jobs.
Job outlook
The BLS does not provide a specific growth projection for this occupation over the 2024–2034 period. However, demand for environmental and geoscience technicians is generally tied to ongoing needs for environmental cleanup, natural resource extraction, and regulatory compliance. Employment of about 44,480 technicians was recorded in the latest survey.
Frequently asked questions
What does an environmental science technician do?
They assist scientists in monitoring the environment, collecting samples of soil, water, and air, and analyzing those samples for pollutants or contaminants. They may also maintain lab equipment and record data.
Do you need a bachelor’s degree?
No. Most positions require only an associate degree. However, some advanced roles or specialization may call for a bachelor’s degree.
What’s the highest paying industry?
Technicians in mining, oil and gas extraction, and management, scientific, and technical consulting services tend to earn the highest wages, with top earners exceeding $95,740.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Environmental Science and Geoscience Technicians data.