by our College Data Analytics TeamThe way humans interact with and utilize the environment is constantly changing. While we need to make use of the environment to survive, we also have a responsibility to use natural resources responsibly. Students who major in Environmental Control Technology will learn how society and nature can exist harmoniously, as well as utilize technology and the environment to make our lives simpler.
This program prepares students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers in the process of controlling the way people make use of the environment. Students will learn the skills to design testing, inspection and maintenance procedures, installation and operation procedures, and prepare reports.
There are many concentrations within this major; some include Environmental Engineering Technology, Energy Management and Systems Technology, Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology, and Solar Energy Technology. As an Environmental Control Technology major you will be taking class focusing on the fundamentals of engineering, as well as environmental science courses. This degree is offered as an Associate's and Bachelor's degree.
Studying Environmental Control Technology involves the study of Environmental Control Technologies/technicians. Read on to learn the important information every environmental control technology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering environmental control technology programs.
Nationwide, environmental control technology is a widely-pursued major, with 10,798 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Environmental Control Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 270 schools to determine the best overall colleges for environmental control technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of environmental control technology programs later in this article.
Studies in Environmental Control Technology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations environmental control technology graduates commonly enter.
Strong mathematical and scientific skills are required for this major. With emphasis on experimentation and lab work, one must be able to acquire data and analyze results. To prepare for this major, students are advised to take math and science courses before entering college. Analytical thinkers are highly suited for this major. Problem solving is a significant focus for this field; therefore individuals who think creatively are highly successful.
Skills emphasized by a environmental control technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a environmental control technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several environmental control technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 4,287 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,095 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 138 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 5,145 |
People currently working in careers related to environmental control technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 31.8% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 23.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 17.6% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 13.8% |
| Some college courses | 6.9% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 4.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.4% |
| Master’s degree | 1.0% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in environmental control technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Students who majored in Environmental Control Technologies commonly go on to be Environmental Engineering Technicians. Many people in this field spend their time in both a lab and on site. They work closely with Environmental Engineers and assist them in conducting experiments and recording data. Outside the lab, they help regulate pollution and other substances that could harm the environment. Students who studied fields such as Energy Management and Systems Technology and Solar Energy Technology have the opportunity to work toward energy solutions and innovations. This major offers a wide variety of career paths and is in demand because of the increasing concern of the environment and energy crisis.
Studying environmental control technology opens doors to many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to environmental control technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to environmental control technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | 588,041 | -4.4% |
| Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | 435,798 | 14.6% |
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 211,463 | 11.3% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | 159,640 | 3.9% |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 135,241 | -1.0% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of environmental control technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $36,113 |
| 4 years | $40,833 |
| 5 years | $45,594 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for environmental control technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers environmental control technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $77,085 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $66,308 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $48,896 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $41,550 |
| Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | $31,832 |
With 270 different environmental control technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased environmental control technology school rankings to help you.
Those considering environmental control technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
