All About Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians
Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Example 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.
List of Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Job Duties
- Calculate amount of pollutant in samples or compute air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes, using chemical and mathematical formulas.
- Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.
- Examine and analyze material for presence and concentration of contaminants, such as asbestos, using variety of microscopes.
- Perform statistical analysis of environmental data.
- Inspect sanitary conditions at public facilities.
- Weigh, analyze, or measure collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock, to determine concentration of pollutants.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician?
When polled, Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Laboratory Technician
- Water Quality Specialist
- Public Health Sanitarian
- Groundwater Monitoring Technician
- Smoke Tester
What Kind of Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 34,600 jobs in the United States for Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,200 new jobs for Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 4,600 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician are Utah, Nevada, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in South Dakota, Rhode Island, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Make?
The salary for Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians ranges between about $28,530 and $80,130 a year.

Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians who work in Washington, Rhode Island, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $51,520 |
Alaska | $55,560 |
Arizona | $43,540 |
Arkansas | $46,190 |
California | $60,090 |
Colorado | $49,840 |
Connecticut | $50,840 |
Delaware | $37,610 |
District of Columbia | $64,370 |
Florida | $44,810 |
Georgia | $38,680 |
Hawaii | $49,650 |
Idaho | $58,190 |
Illinois | $45,840 |
Indiana | $43,860 |
Iowa | $47,950 |
Kansas | $47,760 |
Kentucky | $45,440 |
Louisiana | $52,750 |
Maine | $40,020 |
Maryland | $57,090 |
Massachusetts | $58,110 |
Michigan | $46,360 |
Minnesota | $56,020 |
Mississippi | $39,640 |
Missouri | $43,160 |
Montana | $43,230 |
Nebraska | $48,480 |
Nevada | $50,340 |
New Hampshire | $47,670 |
New Jersey | $45,720 |
New Mexico | $52,470 |
New York | $52,810 |
North Carolina | $42,810 |
North Dakota | $49,910 |
Ohio | $44,970 |
Oklahoma | $44,370 |
Oregon | $55,660 |
Pennsylvania | $45,660 |
Rhode Island | $65,730 |
South Carolina | $40,900 |
South Dakota | $28,660 |
Tennessee | $43,810 |
Texas | $46,370 |
Utah | $60,670 |
Vermont | $39,460 |
Virginia | $47,150 |
Washington | $71,700 |
West Virginia | $43,480 |
Wisconsin | $47,280 |
Wyoming | $44,160 |
What Tools & Technology do Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Graphics software
- ESRI ArcView
- Statistical software
- ESRI ArcInfo
How to Become an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician
Are there Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician?

Where Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
- Range Managers
- Museum Technicians and Conservators
- Forest and Conservation Technicians
- Surveying Technicians
References:
Image Credit: U.S. Department of Energy from United States via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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