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Job outlook for environmental engineering technicians in the United States
Environmental engineering technician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected environmental engineering technician job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 600 new jobs for environmental engineering technicians are projected over the next decade.
Environmental engineering technician salaries have increased 5% for environmental engineering technicians in the last 5 years.
There are over 8,742 environmental engineering technicians currently employed in the United States.
There are 77,088 active environmental engineering technician job openings in the US.
The average environmental engineering technician salary is $47,883.
Are environmental engineering technician jobs in demand?
Environmental engineering technician job and salary trends over time
Environmental engineering technician jobs over time
Environmental engineering technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 8,742 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 10,277 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 10,866 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 10,820 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 10,751 | 0.00% |
Average environmental engineering technician salary over time
Environmental engineering technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,883 | $23.02 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $46,947 | $22.57 | +0.1% |
| 2023 | $46,891 | $22.54 | +0.7% |
| 2022 | $46,585 | $22.40 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $45,602 | $21.92 | +1.1% |
Environmental engineering technician jobs by state
Most common states for environmental engineering technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 291 | 42% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 240 | 32% |
| 3 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 387 | 29% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 219 | 29% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,817 | 26% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 264 | 25% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 241 | 25% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 326 | 24% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 667 | 22% |
| 10 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,756 | 21% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 868 | 21% |
| 12 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 752 | 21% |
| 13 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 664 | 21% |
| 14 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 120 | 21% |
| 15 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,512 | 20% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,137 | 20% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,136 | 20% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 385 | 20% |
| 19 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 210 | 20% |
| 20 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,071 | 18% |
Most common cities for environmental engineering technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cupertino | 1 | 2% | $67,192 |
| 2 | Palm Bay | 1 | 1% | $45,065 |
| 3 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $38,872 |
Environmental Engineering Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of environmental engineering technician experts
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
University of Houston
Lawrence University
American University
Washington State University
Utah State University
Kent State University
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Michigan Technological University
Gonzaga University
Tarleton State University
Kennesaw State University
Auburn University-Montgomery
Montana State University - Bozeman
North Carolina State University
Chatham University
Howard University
Stentor Danielson
Associate ProfessorSlippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Engineering Technician?
Stentor Danielson: Remember that if a company is advertising a job, that means they need you (and your skills and energy and talents) as much as you need them, so don't be afraid to ask for what you're worth. Talk to other people in similar roles (at your company and elsewhere) to make sure you're not getting a raw deal.
What Environmental Engineering Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stentor Danielson: Technical skills (e.g. GIS) are always important, but I think students often overlook the importance of social skills – joining or leading a team, managing a project, communicating information effectively, community outreach, respecting diversity among coworkers and clients (I'm a big advocate of learning a second language). Good social skills will make your work more effective and open up new opportunities.
What Environmental Engineering Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mim Rahimi Ph.D.: As you progress with your career in environmental engineering, my primary advice is to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. The field is dynamic, with regulations and technologies evolving rapidly. Stay informed about industry trends, engage in professional development opportunities, and cultivate a network of peers and mentors. This proactive approach enriches your understanding and enhances your ability to contribute effectively to your workplace and community.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Engineering Technician?
Marcia Bjornerud: Be open to taking short-term jobs for a few years to get a sense of the range of career opportunities in environmental sciences and which match your skills and temperament best. Think creatively about how your interdisciplinary training in environmental sciences can be applied even in fields that are not obviously 'environmental' - e.g. city/regional government, transportation, healthcare, etc. All human activities are embedded within and dependent on the natural environment. Also, the habit of 'systems thinking' that is central to environmental science can be applied to complex human systems.
Dr. Karen Knee (she/her)
Associate Professor and Department ChairAmerican University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What Environmental Engineering Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Karen Knee (she/her): Think about your strengths, interests, and goals, and then evaluate the options available to you. No job is going to be perfect, especially right out of college. You want something that will meet your financial needs and provide you with an opportunity to grow and gain experience so you can be competitive for other opportunities down the line that may be an even better fit.
What Environmental Engineering Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Holly Henning: My advice to students is keep a beginners' mind as they learn their particular job. I always encourage students to seek out a mentor in their position and to ask questions and say yes when they are asked to volunteer for temporary roles that might help them learn more about their employer and the career paths available to them. I also encourage them to connect to other WSU graduates as Cougs love to help other Cougs.
What will help Environmental Engineering Technicians increase their earning potential?
Holly Henning: To maximize salary potential, an employee needs to first demonstrate a strong work ethic, a desire to learn and the ability to work on diverse teams. Employees that demonstrate their ability to contribute their unique expertise to a multi-disciplinary team are more likely to be involved with other learning opportunities. We encourage employees to continue their education by being involved in associations, working with our extension and research programs and field days and exploring ways to build their network and opportunities. In some careers, the ability to proactively represent an employer on social media and help others to see how great it is to work for their company can help them into higher paying positions.
What Environmental Engineering Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniella Hirschfeld PhD: Humanity today faces tremendous environmental challenges - chemicals in our water and air are causing major health problems, climate change is leading to increased disaster events, and biodiversity loss is at an all time high. Being an environmental designer allows people to address these challenges head on. It also gives people a chance to make other people's lives more livable, healthier, and happier.
What Environmental Engineering Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Christopher Post PhD: Geographic Information Science—the ability to take field data and make it visual with maps so that you and others can witness and analyze spatial relations is the most important skill set in environmental careers right now and will continue as such. Everything in nature moves—albeit sometimes slowly—and understanding those interactions is key to unfolding humanity’s impacts on the environment, and vice versa.
Bryan Gentry
Director of CommunicationsUniversity of South Carolina - Columbia
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What will help Environmental Engineering Technicians increase their earning potential?
Bryan Gentry: My colleague Bryan Gentry can possibly connect you with someone in USC’s College of Arts and Sciences.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Engineering Technician?
John Irwin EdD: Engineering technology graduates are masters of technology, gaining a broad and deep understanding of the processes, systems, tools, and techniques necessary to construct, modify, operate, and maintain an engineering design. They act as technological integrators, bridging the gap between the skilled trades and engineering fundamentals. This is a great career path for those who enjoy engineering concepts but would rather spend time working with their hands solving specific technical issues than tackling broader, more complex design challenges.
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair
Professor/ChairGonzaga University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What will help Environmental Engineering Technicians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair: We find that graphical information systems (GIS) skills are in high demand. Soft skills such as ability to work as a team, develop work plans, collaborate and communicate with diverse stakeholders, communicate technical and scientific information, are, and will be very important in the near and long term future.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Engineering Technician?
Aaron Haines Ph.D., Certified Wildlife Biologist ®: Having more technical skill sets can help you get entry level positions that can lead to higher pay positions. These include the ability to extract DNA from biological samples and understand the process of DNA sequencing, be familiar with geographical information systems (GIS) software such as ArcPro, ArcGIS, QGIS, be familiar with programming language such as Phyton and R statical programming, and government policies that impact your field of study.
Be a member of a professional organization and attend their conferences. This will allow you the opportunity to learn from others, network, and meet potential future employers.
What will help Environmental Engineering Technicians increase their earning potential?
Carol Boggs PhD: I actually don't know! But I would guess: People like being able to make a difference and to be able to see the impact of their work on improving ecosystems. People dislike paperwork, which is associated with nearly any job.
Reza Khanbilvardi Ph.D.
NOAA Chair Professor pf Civil and Environmental Engineering, Director of Earth System and Environmental Engineering at CUNY City CollegeWhat general advice would you give to an Environmental Engineering Technician?
Reza Khanbilvardi Ph.D.: Graduates entering today job market have to recognize ( and in fact expect) that the degree that they have earned has only prepared them for the job market at a very basic /fundamental level. Most of the actual learning comes in the job and they have to be ready and eager to learn new tools and skills. They should learn how to work as a team and be very positively engaged with every one in their job.
What will help Environmental Engineering Technicians increase their earning potential?
Reza Khanbilvardi Ph.D.: To be in a position to maximize salary potential (at the beginning and during the work), one has to demonstrate and perform his/her job responsibilities by Being well organized, work on proper time-management skills Achieve tasks on time (and even before the deadline, if possible), Show the willingness to be involved in additional tasks/responsibility, Be collegian with all co-workers, Do not procrastinate .
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorTarleton State University
Department of Mechanical, Environmental and Civil Engineering
What skills stand out on Environmental Engineering Technician resumes?
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.: As far as the skills are concerned, the most striking would be proficiency with programs such as AutoCAD and ArcGIS as well as with technical report-writing or preparation. There are numerous industry-standard programs that are discipline-specific, such as HEC-HMS for hydrologic modeling; familiarity with these programs can make resumes stand out. Other items on the resume, such as assuming leadership roles in student and professional societies, internships with government or private organizations, and having passed the FE exam, are also attractive to recruiters.
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Environmental ScienceKennesaw State University
Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
What Environmental Engineering Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.: I think the best advice I can offer recent graduates is to be as flexible as possible. Being willing to relocate, for example, vastly expands the number of potential jobs they can apply to. Applying for positions that might not be exactly where they want to go, but might give them the experience or skills they need to get to their desired career after a year or two also will help open more doors. So if you can't find your ideal job right away, consider that internship or volunteer opportunity that will make you more marketable in the future.
What will help Environmental Engineering Technicians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.: In environmental science, GIS is becoming a requirement for a lot more jobs. It has always been a useful skillset, but it has been integrated into a lot more jobs in the environmental field than 5 or 10 years ago. We require all of our environmental science majors to take at least one GIS class for this reason, but we have several others available as electives and our students can even pursue a GIS certificate through our Geography department using elective credits for our degree program. Coming from an environmental consulting background, I also tell students to consider getting their 40-hour HAZWOPER certification if they are interested in that field. It's required for any job where you deal with hazardous materials or work on contaminated sites, so having one of those already under your belt when you apply for a job makes you much more appealing to employers since they don't have to pay for you to get it if they hire you.
Dr. Chelsea Ward
ProfessorAuburn University-Montgomery
Department of Biology and Environmental Science Advising
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Environmental Engineering Technicians?
Dr. Chelsea Ward: I think pandemic graduates will be much more flexible than those in the before times. Current graduates have lived through a complete pivot to online learning, for many a complete shift in education. Many also navigated an additional switch to flex learning, awkward classrooms environments, a change in how they interact with professors and people as a whole. There is an incredible skill set that was gained by students that successfully navigated this time. Flexibility, patience, understanding, and grace were all tested. Most students grew in these skills and virtues, which will be a huge advantage going forward.
What's a day at work look like for an Environmental Engineering Technician?
Dr. Chelsea Ward: I don't think we can easily predict what work will look like anymore. Some will find very traditional spaces to work, but for many, they may create a work space that better fits their own needs while still filling the companies' needs. This won't be true of all persons in all professions. Still, I see what was once considered non-traditional (e.g., eMedicine, synchronous online learning for K-12) becoming more mainstream and finding a permanent place in the job market.
What will help Environmental Engineering Technicians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Chelsea Ward: Science has always been a field that values post-graduate education. I don't see that changing. However, I anticipate that biologists with undergraduate degrees and broader skill sets will do better. Those with GIS or computer programming skills will be in a much better place to find positions in their field that are satisfying than those that are only trained in traditional bench skills.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Environmental Engineering Technician job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Alan Dyer Ph.D.: For our graduates, the pandemic is affecting those entering the crop consulting market. Usually, this a very social job, and with the pandemic social distancing is having a significant but not overwhelming impact. Our Crop Science program at MSU usually is very integrated with ag industries, and these connections are taking a real blow during the pandemic. Hopefully, when things calm down, these programs will flourish once again.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Environmental Engineering Technicians in the next 3-5 years?
Frederik Laleicke Ph.D.: Natural and sustainable materials play an essential role in creating modern, human-centered environments and will be of increasing importance in the future. Over the past decades, industrial processes have been improved to produce high performing and reliable products from natural resources. The challenges lie in preserving the natural variability that makes biomaterials, such as wood, appealing, and staying within standards, safety margins, and product specifications. The advanced technology employed will require fewer, but more knowledgeable, workers and managers that understand the capabilities and limitations of the produced technical processes and products.
An excellent example of where these challenges have been solved using modern technologies is mass timber. Large wooden panels are premanufactured in semi-automated processes, and CNC technology cuts each of them to an exact fit. Relatively new in the U.S., mass timber engineering, manufacturing, and use are currently being fine-tuned to meet the requirements of growing markets. In future years, the design-for-disassembly will move into focus when end-of-life considerations for wood-based construction draw more attention.
These developments offer numerous opportunities for employees with diverse skillsets, such as engineers, technologists, analysts, and marketing/business experts. However, they all have in common an in-depth understanding of sustainability concepts and a sense of environmental responsibility. Whatever the specialty of our graduates, they will match one of many different roles in the economy of sustainable materials.
Dr. Thomas Macagno Ph.D.
Program Director of SustainabilityChatham University
Falk School of Sustainability and Environment
What experience really stands out on Environmental Engineering Technician resumes?
Dr. Thomas Macagno Ph.D.: Sustainability is like any other field. Prospective employers like to see students have hands-on experience. Practical experience means students can get up to speed more quickly in the job. Students engage in a wide range of hands-on activities at Chatham, including GIS, Product Management, and Field sampling.
Charles Ichoku Ph.D.
Professor of Earth and Environmental SciencesHoward University
Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Environmental Engineering Technicians to find work opportunities?
Charles Ichoku Ph.D.: Graduates of Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology can find work opportunities in various parts of the United States, including a wide variety of federal and state agencies that are responsible for various aspects of the environment, such as weather and air quality monitoring and forecasting. These opportunities can be located in any part of the country. It would be good for graduates to be open to seeking and finding opportunities wherever they may be located in order to contribute toward progress in their fields of expertise, sometimes even under challenging circumstances.