Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2024
How to Become a Environmental Engineering Tech (2024)
Specialty · 2-year apprenticeship · SOC 17-3025
Environmental Engineering Techs earn a national median of $63,192 per 2024 BLS data, with the 90th percentile reaching $130,670 in San Francisco. The standard path is a 2-year registered apprenticeship — paid from day one, no four-year degree required.
What Does a Environmental Engineering Tech Do?
Environmental engineering technicians assist environmental engineers and scientists in testing, monitoring, and addressing environmental pollution, including air, water, and soil contamination.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Collect and analyze environmental samples (air, water, soil)
- Monitor pollution control equipment
- Inspect facilities for environmental compliance
- Prepare technical reports and data summaries
- Assist in hazardous waste cleanup operations
The Path: How to Become a Environmental Engineering Tech
- 1
Finish high school or earn a GED
Most apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED. Strong math (especially algebra and geometry) and reading skills matter for trade exams and blueprint work. - 2
Find a registered apprenticeship
Search apprenticeship.gov for registered programs in your area. Programs are sponsored by unions, contractor associations, or individual employers. Application windows are usually annual. - 3
Complete the 2-year apprenticeship
Apprentices spend roughly 4000+ hours on the job paired with a journeyman, plus 144 classroom hours per year. Pay starts around $72,140 and steps up each year — see the timeline below. - 4
Pass the journeyman exam
Most states require a written + practical exam to earn the journeyman license. The exam covers code knowledge, safety, and practical work scenarios. Pass rates vary 50-80% on the first attempt. - 5
Earn certifications and (optionally) the master license
Layer on specialty certifications (OSHA HAZWOPER 40-Hour certification) to access higher-paying work. Most states offer a master license after 2-4 additional years of journeyman experience — required for independent contracting in many states. - 6
Climb to the top decile
Top earners ($130,670 in San Francisco) typically reach the 90th percentile through specialization, foreman/supervisor roles, union membership, or running a small contracting business.
Environmental Engineering Tech Apprentice Pay Timeline
Hourly wage progression based on industry-standard apprenticeship pay schedules. Actual rates vary by local union or contractor agreement.
| Year | Stage | Hourly | Annual (2,080 hr) | % of Journeyman |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Apprentice | $50/hr | $104,000 | 167% |
| Year 2 | Pre-journeyman | $75/hr | $156,000 | 250% |
| Journeyman | Licensed | $30/hr | $63,192 | 100% |
| Master / Top 10% | Specialist / Foreman | $63/hr | $130,670 | 207% |
Required Certifications & Licenses
- ✓OSHA HAZWOPER 40-Hour certification
- ✓State environmental technician certifications
- ✓EPA Asbestos Inspector certification
- ✓CDL (for some positions)
Skills You'll Need to Build
Work Environment
Environmental techs work in labs, offices, and field sites including contaminated areas. Exposure to hazardous materials requires full PPE. Travel to sampling sites.
Job Outlook
Growing demand driven by EPA regulations, cleanup of contaminated sites, and environmental impact assessments for new construction. PFAS contamination creating new work.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Environmental Engineering Tech Pay by City
The highest-paying metros for environmental engineering techs, with cost-of-living-adjusted pay so you can compare real take-home.
| City | Median | Top 10% | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $98,110 | $130,670 | C |
| Seattle, WA | $97,240 | $101,900 | C |
| Las Vegas, NV | $89,610 | $160,910 | B |
| Los Angeles, CA | $75,250 | $112,450 | D |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $75,060 | $101,950 | B |
| Minneapolis, MN | $72,950 | $101,200 | C |
| Phoenix, AZ | $72,500 | $95,090 | C |
| San Antonio, TX | $70,050 | $76,350 | C |
| Atlanta, GA | $65,470 | $86,230 | C |
| Columbus, OH | $63,050 | $81,150 | C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Most environmental engineering techs complete a 2-year registered apprenticeship — typically 4000+ hours of paid on-the-job training plus 144 classroom hours per year. After completing the apprenticeship and passing the journeyman exam, you can work independently. Master-level certification (where applicable) usually takes another 2-4 years of journeyman experience.
No. Environmental Engineering Techs do not require a four-year college degree. The standard credential is a journeyman license earned through a paid apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/. Some workers complete a 1- or 2-year certificate at a community or trade college before applying — but the journeyman license is what employers actually require.
Environmental Engineering Tech apprentices typically start at $72,140 per year (10th percentile) and progress upward each year of the apprenticeship. By year 2, pay usually reaches the 50th percentile around $63,192. All training is paid — apprentices are W-2 employees of contractors or unions, not students paying tuition.
Common environmental engineering tech certifications include: OSHA HAZWOPER 40-Hour certification; State environmental technician certifications; EPA Asbestos Inspector certification; CDL (for some positions). Most states also require a journeyman license; some have a separate master license for independent work.
Environmental Engineering Techs earn a national median of $63,192 (Trade Pay Score grade C), wages have grown 5% over the past 5 years, and the BLS counts roughly 3,820 environmental engineering tech jobs nationwide. The work is physically demanding and the apprenticeship is real, but the trade clears the bar for living-wage, debt-free career entry.
The U.S. Department of Labor maintains a searchable database of registered apprenticeship programs at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/. Local building trades councils, IBEW/UA/IUPAT/IBB union halls, and trade school career offices also place candidates directly. Most apprenticeships have one open application window per year — check listings early.
Wage figures from BLS OEWS 2024. Apprentice pay schedules from industry-standard registered programs. Career outlook from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2032 projections.