What Does it Take to Be an Environmental Engineering Technician?
Job Description & Duties Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientist. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.
Life As an Environmental Engineering Technician
- Prepare permit applications or review compliance with environmental permits.
- Perform environmental quality work in field or office settings.
- Improve chemical processes to reduce toxic emissions.
- Arrange for the disposal of lead, asbestos, or other hazardous materials.
- Obtain product information, identify vendors or suppliers, or order materials or equipment to maintain inventory.
- Collect and analyze pollution samples, such as air or ground water.
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What an Environmental Engineering Technician Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Environmental Engineering Technicians say are important on the job.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Engineer Technician
- Engineering Assistant
- Air Technician
- Pollution Control Engineering Technician
- Environmental Engineering Assistant
Are There Job Opportunities for Environmental Engineering Technicians?
There were about 17,000 jobs for Environmental Engineering Technician in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,100 new jobs for Environmental Engineering Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,700 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Environmental Engineering Technician are Utah, Florida, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, West Virginia, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Environmental Engineering Technician Salary
The salary for Environmental Engineering Technicians ranges between about $32,380 and $82,800 a year.

Environmental Engineering Technicians who work in Washington, Oregon, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Environmental Engineering Technicians make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $50,550 |
Alaska | $58,490 |
Arizona | $48,190 |
California | $59,600 |
Colorado | $60,350 |
Connecticut | $55,150 |
Delaware | $57,780 |
Florida | $46,540 |
Georgia | $45,610 |
Hawaii | $56,180 |
Idaho | $52,730 |
Illinois | $53,270 |
Indiana | $43,940 |
Iowa | $50,980 |
Kansas | $50,880 |
Kentucky | $47,240 |
Louisiana | $51,740 |
Maine | $55,450 |
Maryland | $60,150 |
Massachusetts | $59,120 |
Michigan | $47,640 |
Mississippi | $50,180 |
Missouri | $43,890 |
Montana | $43,790 |
Nebraska | $53,200 |
Nevada | $58,970 |
New Hampshire | $55,700 |
New Jersey | $46,630 |
New Mexico | $49,970 |
New York | $58,010 |
North Carolina | $44,410 |
North Dakota | $55,680 |
Ohio | $48,200 |
Oklahoma | $49,330 |
Oregon | $59,270 |
Pennsylvania | $48,450 |
Tennessee | $56,500 |
Texas | $54,190 |
Utah | $43,600 |
Vermont | $49,630 |
Virginia | $47,060 |
Washington | $70,190 |
West Virginia | $54,490 |
Wisconsin | $54,480 |
Wyoming | $58,980 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Environmental Engineering Technicians
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Environmental Engineering Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Geographic information system GIS software
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- Bentley Microstation
- Statistical software
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
- Presentation software
How do I Become an Environmental Engineering Technician?
What education is needed to be an Environmental Engineering Technician?

What work experience do I need to become an Environmental Engineering Technician?

Environmental Engineering Technicians Sector

Environmental Engineering Technicians work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming an Environmental Engineering Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as an Environmental Engineering Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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