by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 271 U.S. colleges awarded 12,771 degrees and certificates in Environmental Control Technology. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 47% of graduates. College Factual ranks 169 schools in its 2027 Best Environmental Control Technology Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $36,030 one year after completing, rising to $47,810 after four years.
The 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.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, environmental control technology is a widely-pursued major, with 12,771 degrees awarded annually. 271 colleges award environmental control technology degrees, an average of 47 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 1,439.
By level, the 12,771 awards include 5,635 certificates, 995 associate degrees, 130 bachelor’s degrees and 5,957 master’s degrees.
Women earned 6% of environmental control technology degrees and certificates in the latest year (780 of 12,771). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are Hispanic or Latino (6,153) and White (3,447), and international students earned 113.
College Factual ranks 169 schools in its 2027 Best Environmental Control Technology Schools ranking, including 41 for associate degrees, 5 for bachelor’s degrees and 2 for master’s degrees. It also ranks environmental control technology schools within 11 states. In all, 271 colleges offer environmental control technology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Environmental Control Technology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common environmental control technology credential is the master’s degree: 5,957 of the 12,771 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to environmental control technology call most for Reading Comprehension, Active Listening and Critical Thinking, and for knowledge of Engineering and Technology, English Language and Mathematics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Comprehension, Near Vision and Problem Sensitivity.
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.
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How long an environmental control technology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 5,635 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 995 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 130 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 5,957 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to environmental control technology, at 31.8%.
| 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% |
Source: O*NET Online.
8 occupations are related to Environmental Control Technology, with an average median salary of $68,988; the strongest outlook belongs to Hazardous Materials Removal Workers, at 14.6% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Air Analyst, Test Technician (Test Tech), Water Treatment Specialist and Water Quality Technician (Water Quality Tech).
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.
The occupation related to environmental control technology with the most projected jobs is Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators, at 588,041.
| 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% |
Environmental Control Technology graduates earn a median $36,030 one year after completing their program, $47,810 after four years and $45,308 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $36,030 |
| 4 years | $47,810 |
| 5 years | $45,308 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to environmental control technology is Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, with a median salary of $121,642.
| 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 |
Environmental Control Technology includes 5 concentrations that together award 12,771 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician (11,417), Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician (860) and Environmental/Environmental Engineering Technology/Technician (255). It has 18 similar majors in the Engineering Technologies field, which together award 86,276 degrees a year; the largest are Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians (13,228), Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (12,892) and Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians (10,346). Browse all Engineering Technologies majors or the full list of college majors.
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