Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health. In addition, they work to ensure that environmental violations are prevented.

Environmental science and protection technicians work in offices, laboratories, and the field.

Environmental science and protection technicians typically need an associate's degree or 2 years of postsecondary education, although some positions may require a bachelor's degree.

The median annual wage for environmental science and protection technicians was $43,030 in May 2015.

Employment of environmental science and protection technicians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Environmental science and protection technicians should have good job prospects overall.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for environmental science and protection technicians.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of environmental science and protection technicians with similar occupations.

Learn more about environmental science and protection technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.