Science
Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
Median pay
$55,090
Growth to 2035
+7%
faster than average
Openings a year
5,300
Time to qualify*
2 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Associate's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to environmental science and protection technicians, including health
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Environmental science and protection technicians, including health: 5% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
- Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
- Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
- Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
- Weigh, analyze, or measure collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock, to determine concentration of pollutants.
- Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.
Also called: Environmental Health Officer (EHO) · Environmental Technician (Environmental Tech) · Industrial Pretreatment Program Specialist (IPP Specialist) · Lab Technician (Laboratory Technician) · Public Health Sanitarian · Sanitarian · Sanitarian Specialist · Soil Lab Technician (Soil Laboratory Technician)
Outlook and AI
Environmental science and protection technicians, including health held 36,400 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 38,900 by 2035 (+7%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Environmental science and protection technicians, including health vs. Environmental engineering technologists and technicians
- Environmental science and protection technicians, including health vs. Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
- Environmental science and protection technicians, including health vs. Compliance officer
- Environmental science and protection technicians, including health vs. Environmental engineer
- Environmental science and protection technicians, including health vs. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
- Environmental science and protection technicians, including health vs. Managers, all other
- Environmental science and protection technicians, including health vs. Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians
- Environmental science and protection technicians, including health vs. Civil engineer
- Environmental science and protection technicians, including health vs. Conservation scientist
- Environmental science and protection technicians, including health vs. Natural sciences manager