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Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

Tests air, water and soil for pollution and helps clean it up.

Typical education to startAssociate's degree
Job outlook2025–2035: +7%
Median pay$55,090 a year (2025)
Interest codeRIC Realistic, Investigative, Conventional

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Environmental technicians collect samples of water, soil and air, run tests in the field and the lab, and keep careful records. Some inspect businesses for health and pollution rules; environmental engineering technicians help engineers set up and run cleanup and treatment systems. They work for consulting firms, labs, government agencies and factories, often outdoors in all weather.

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High school courses that build toward it

Ranked by how much the job relies on what each course teaches, from O*NET's knowledge ratings. Your school's own courses and the counselor have the final word.

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health on O*NET OnLine · O*NET 31.0 (U.S. Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections 2025.