Environmental engineering technologists and technicians
SOC Code: 17-3025
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians carries a 44% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $58,890 and +1.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 12,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 44% AI exposure, Environmental engineering technologists and technicians sits 7 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 77% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Environmental engineering technologists and technicians sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians has ai exposure of 44%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Environmental engineering technologists and technicians is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians (SOC 17-3025) carries an AI exposure score of 44%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 12,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.2% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $58,890, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Environmental engineering technologists and technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Assist in the cleanup of hazardous material spills.
- 2. Maintain project logbook records or computer program files.
- 3. Record laboratory or field data, including numerical data, test results, photographs, or summaries of visual observations.
- 4. Perform environmental quality work in field or office settings.
- 5. Produce environmental assessment reports, tabulating data and preparing charts, graphs, or sketches.
- 6. Collect and analyze pollution samples, such as air or ground water.
- 7. Decontaminate or test field equipment used to clean or test pollutants from soil, air, or water.
- 8. Prepare and package environmental samples for shipping or testing.
- 9. Maintain process parameters and evaluate process anomalies.
- 10. Inspect facilities to monitor compliance with regulations governing substances, such as asbestos, lead, or wastewater.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Speaking
- Science
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Writing
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Mechanical
- Physics
- Public Safety and Security
- Building and Construction
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Environmental engineering technologists and technicians?
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians has an AI exposure score of 44%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Environmental engineering technologists and technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Environmental engineering technologists and technicians is projected to grow by 1.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 12,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Environmental engineering technologists and technicians?
Key skills for Environmental engineering technologists and technicians include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Environmental engineering technologists and technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Environmental engineering technologists and technicians is $58,890, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Environmental engineering technologists and technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Environmental engineering technologists and technicians is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Environmental engineering technologists and technicians?
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).