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What is an environmental science 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 environmental science technician. For example, did you know that they make an average of $17.62 an hour? That's $36,653 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 9% and produce 3,200 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreEnvironmental Science TechnicianUS Average
Salary
2.9

Avg. Salary $36,653

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.4

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.01%

Asian 11.09%

Black or African American 10.39%

Hispanic or Latino 15.08%

Unknown 5.78%

White 56.65%

Gender

female 43.02%

male 56.98%

Age - 35
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 - 35
Stress level
6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Environmental science technician career paths

Key steps to become an environmental science technician

  1. Explore environmental science technician education requirements

    Most common environmental science technician degrees

    Bachelor's

    70.9 %

    Associate

    16.4 %

    High School Diploma

    7.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific environmental science technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Water Quality17.78%
    GIS17.37%
    Hazardous Waste12.99%
    Environmental Regulations11.69%
    Environmental Compliance10.67%
  3. Complete relevant environmental science technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New environmental science 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 environmental science technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real environmental science technician resumes.
  4. Research environmental science technician duties and responsibilities

    • Manage daily RCRA inspections and mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment preventive/corrective maintenance procedures.
    • Assist HAZWOPER technicians with logistical support for operations on project operations including research of facilities and vendors need for project completion.
    • Develop innovative PowerPoint presentations on current environmental issues in Arizona for reporting purposes.
  5. Apply for environmental science technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an environmental science 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 environmental science technician job

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Average environmental science technician salary

The average environmental science technician salary in the United States is $36,653 per year or $18 per hour. Environmental science technician salaries range between $27,000 and $49,000 per year.

Average environmental science technician salary
$36,653 Yearly
$17.62 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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