Updated 2025 · Specialty
How to Become a Environmental Engineering Tech
Environmental engineering technicians assist environmental engineers and scientists in testing, monitoring, and addressing environmental pollution, including air, water, and soil contamination.
Steps to Become a Environmental Engineering Tech
- Meet basic requirements — You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program — Environmental Engineering Tech apprenticeships last 2 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training — Complete 4000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications — Required certifications include: OSHA HAZWOPER 40-Hour certification, State environmental technician certifications, EPA Asbestos Inspector certification, CDL (for some positions).
- Pass the journeyman exam — After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
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.
Daily Duties
- 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
Skills Needed
- Environmental sampling
- Lab analysis
- EPA regulations
- GIS mapping
- Report writing
Required Certifications
- OSHA HAZWOPER 40-Hour certification
- State environmental technician certifications
- EPA Asbestos Inspector certification
- CDL (for some positions)
Environmental Engineering Tech Salary (2025)
The national median environmental engineering tech salary is $53,466 per year. Pay ranges from $44,419 in the lowest-paying metro to $67,392 in the highest-paying metro. See the full environmental engineering tech salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Environmental Engineering Tech apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $21,386 |
| Year 2 | 90% | $48,119 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $53,466 |
Union vs Non-Union Environmental Engineering Tech Pay
Union environmental engineering techs earn 13% more than non-union workers — $29.90/hour union vs $26.46/hour non-union. Approximately 9.3% of environmental engineering techs are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
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.
Career Outlook
Growing demand driven by EPA regulations, cleanup of contaminated sites, and environmental impact assessments for new construction. PFAS contamination creating new work.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a environmental engineering tech is $53,466 per year (2025 BLS data). Pay ranges from $44,419 to $67,392 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 2 years to complete a environmental engineering tech apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn — starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a environmental engineering tech. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: OSHA HAZWOPER 40-Hour certification and State environmental technician certifications.
Environmental Engineering Tech earns a Trade Pay Score grade of C, meaning it rates moderately on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Growing demand driven by EPA regulations, cleanup of contaminated sites, and environmental impact assessments for new construction. PFAS contamination creating new work.
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