Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
SOC Code: 19-4042
Environmental science and protection technicians, including health carries a 49% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $49,490 and +4.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 40,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 49% AI exposure, Environmental science and protection technicians, including health sits 12 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 86% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Environmental science and protection technicians, including health sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Environmental science and protection technicians, including health has ai exposure of 49%. 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 science and protection technicians, including health vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Environmental science and protection technicians, including health 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 science and protection technicians, including health (SOC 19-4042) carries an AI exposure score of 49%, 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 40,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.0% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $49,490, 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 science and protection technicians, including health. 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. Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- 2. Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
- 3. Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- 4. Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
- 5. Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
- 6. Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
- 7. Initiate procedures to close down or fine establishments violating environmental or health regulations.
- 8. Weigh, analyze, or measure collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock, to determine concentration of pollutants.
- 9. Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.
- 10. Provide information or technical or program assistance to government representatives, employers, or the general public on the issues of public health, environmental protection, or workplace safety.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Science
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Mathematics
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Biology
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Environmental science and protection technicians, including health?
Environmental science and protection technicians, including health has an AI exposure score of 49%, 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 science and protection technicians, including health?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Environmental science and protection technicians, including health is projected to grow by 4.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 40,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Environmental science and protection technicians, including health?
Key skills for Environmental science and protection technicians, including health include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Environmental science and protection technicians, including health earn?
The median annual wage for Environmental science and protection technicians, including health is $49,490, 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 science and protection technicians, including health?
The typical entry-level education for Environmental science and protection technicians, including health 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 science and protection technicians, including health?
Environmental science and protection technicians, including health 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.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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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).