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What is an emissions testing technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an emissions testing technician. For example, did you know that they make an average of $23.32 an hour? That's $48,515 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 1% and produce 10,600 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreEmissions Testing TechnicianUS Average
Salary
3.8

Avg. Salary $48,515

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.9

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.68%

Asian 5.79%

Black or African American 11.03%

Hispanic or Latino 16.89%

Unknown 7.48%

White 58.13%

Gender

female 10.00%

male 90.00%

Age - 50
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 50
Stress level
8.9

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an emissions testing technician

  1. Explore emissions testing technician education requirements

    Most common emissions testing technician degrees

    Associate

    36.8 %

    High School Diploma

    21.1 %

    Bachelor's

    18.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific emissions testing technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Emission Test42.10%
    DOT24.79%
    Dynamometers9.39%
    Customer Service7.71%
    Vehicle Emissions7.51%
  3. Complete relevant emissions testing technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New emissions testing technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an emissions testing technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real emissions testing technician resumes.
  4. Research emissions testing technician duties and responsibilities

    • Operate dynamometers on diesel engines, testing emission systems for``on and off"road application.
    • Work with thermocouple installation as well as wiring harness troubleshooting and run complex testing and sequences set-ups.
    • Compose written reports of data collect from patient evaluation and present to department chief for thorough analysis of patient diagnosis.
    • Repair or replace shock absorbers.
  5. Apply for emissions testing technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an emissions testing technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first emissions testing technician job

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Average emissions testing technician salary

The average emissions testing technician salary in the United States is $48,515 per year or $23 per hour. Emissions testing technician salaries range between $31,000 and $75,000 per year.

Average emissions testing technician salary
$48,515 Yearly
$23.32 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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