Science Technicians

At a Glance

Assist scientists
Some work in research and development
Some work in production and manufacturing
Sometimes wear safety gear, such as gloves and masks
May work irregular hours
Have at least an associate degree

Career summary

Science technicians help scientists conduct tests and experiments.

All science technicians have similar tasks. In order to conduct their research they:

Refer to instructions for the experiment
Consult with the scientists who supervise them
Set up and maintain equipment
Gather and prepare samples for testing
Conduct testing
Record testing results
Write technical reports
Order lab supplies

There are several types of science technicians.

Agricultural technicians

Agricultural technicians work in food, fiber, and animal research or production. They collect data and soil samples to test farming techniques.

Biological technicians

Biological technicians study living organisms. Many assist scientists with medical research helping to develop new treatments that can treat or cure diseases.

Chemical technicians

Chemical technicians work with chemists. They may produce new compounds by combining chemicals.

Environmental technicians

Environmental technicians monitor pollution levels. They work for government agencies that enforce laws to protect the environment. Some environmental technicians help companies comply with environmental regulations.

Nuclear technicians

Some nuclear technicians work at nuclear power plants. Others assist nuclear physicists in research. They operate nuclear test equipment and monitor radiation levels.

Petroleum and geological technicians

Petroleum technicians provide support to scientists and engineers who explore and extract natural resources such as oil and natural gas. Geological technicians test water, soil, rock, and other samples.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to science technicians.

Follow instructions for experiments or consult with scientists.
Monitor sensors and collect data at industrial sites such as nuclear power plants. Use the data to make sure industry follows the rules for safety and impact on the environment.
Collect data or samples for testing. Prepare computer models, cultures, chemical solutions, or slides.
Set up, operate, and adjust settings on lab instruments or field equipment.
Monitor remote sensors, tests, and experiments and make observations.
Calculate, record, and report results.
Monitor manufacturing processes.
Test products for proper proportions, purity, or strength and durability.
May develop and adapt lab procedures to achieve best results.
May identify areas suited for building power plants, mining, or drilling for fossil fuels.
May interpret data and find solutions to problems, under the direction of scientists.
Use computers and equipment such as radiation sensors or seismic imaging systems.
Clean and maintain lab instruments. May decontaminate rooms, people, lab tools, and samples.
Keep detailed logs of work activities and write reports.

Common work activities

Science technicians perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Document and record information
Get information needed to do the job
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Identify objects, actions, and events
Process information
Use computers
Update and use job-related knowledge
Evaluate information against standards
Analyze data or information
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Make decisions and solve problems
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Establish and maintain relationships
Explain the meaning of information to others
Control machines and processes
Schedule work and activities
Handle and move objects
Perform activities that use the whole body
Teach others
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Think creatively

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, science technicians:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a medium to high level of social contact. They often talk to scientists and other technicians, but also spend time alone in the lab.
Communicate with others by telephone, e-mail, and face-to-face discussions. They also write letters and memos, but less frequently.
Have limited responsibility for the work done by other technicians.
Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of other workers. Nuclear technicians are substantially responsible.
Usually work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

Usually work indoors. However, agricultural, environmental, and petroleum technicians perform much of their work outdoors.
Sometimes wear safety attire, such as gloves or masks, when handling dangerous materials. Nuclear technicians sometimes also wear specialized protective devices when handling radioactive materials.
Are sometimes exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
Are sometimes exposed to contaminants. For example, chemical technicians may work with toxic chemicals. Nuclear technicians may be exposed to radiation. Biological technicians may be exposed to infectious agents.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment. Nuclear technicians are exposed to nuclear reactors.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions.
May work physically near others, such as when sharing office or work space.
Indoor work sites may not always have heating or air conditioning.
Are sometimes exposed to radiation if work in the field of nuclear technology.
Are sometimes exposed to diseases or infections if work in the fields of biology or agriculture.

Work performance

Must be very exact in their work and be sure that all details are done. Errors could have serious consequences for the health and safety of workers.
Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
Sometimes make decisions that greatly impact their company, coworkers, and customers. They often act independently, without talking to a supervisor.
Often set their daily tasks and goals without input from others.
Must meet strict weekly and daily deadlines.

Hours/travel

May sometimes work irregular hours to monitor experiments that can't be completed during regular working hours.
May work day, evening, or night shifts, if working in production.
Usually work at least 40 hours per week.

Physical demands

Science technicians frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for science technicians to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for science technicians to be able to:

See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Determine the distance between objects.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Science technicians need to:

Communicate

Understand written information.
Understand spoken information.
Read and understand work-related materials.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Use math and science

Use scientific methods to solve problems.
Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Manage the time of self and others.

Work with things

Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a science technician, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent;
have at least an associate degree in science or a science-related technology; and
complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

There are several ways to prepare for this occupation. Most science technicians have an associate degree in applied science or technology. Some technicians have a bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry. It is possible to work as a technician if you do not have a bachelor's degree in a life science. In this case you still need college-level science and math courses.

Some professional-technical schools offer one-year certificate programs in science technology. The area of science you work in will determine the level of degree you need to have.

Work experience

A summer job in a lab is excellent experience for working in this field.

On-the-job training

While completing a science technology program, you may have the chance to work as an intern. This experience is very helpful for getting a job.

Once hired, technicians often undergo on-the-job training. They may learn how to perform tasks from an experienced employee or take formal classes, or a combination of both. This training may last several months to two years. This will depend greatly on the type of employer and the work performed.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be non-destructive testers. Training lasts nine to 13 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Take as many science courses as you can in your area of interest.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Computer Applications
Computer Science
Technical Writing

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many employers prefer to hire technicians who have at least two years of training or an associate degree. Some employers prefer technicians with a bachelor's degree. Some prefer those with internship or other lab experience. In addition, employers look for technicians who are good with computers. They also look for technicians who can write and speak well. Being able to work well with others is also important, since technicians often work in teams.

For many jobs, applicants must also have experience in sampling techniques or with measuring and testing equipment. Some employers may prefer to hire technicians who specialize in a certain area.

Tips

Tour industrial or manufacturing plants that have their own air or water pollution control systems to see the equipment environmental technicians use. Join school science clubs. Technicians who are willing to relocate or who have a background in more than one area may have a better chance of finding a job.

Costs to workers

Some workers may want to join a professional association and pay annual dues. Workers may also need to purchase clothing, such as laboratory coats.

Licensing/certification

Federal law requires that all workers at hazardous waste cleanup sites receive a minimum of 40 hours of training in health and safety issues related to the hazardous waste industry. Annual refresher courses are also usually required. Courses are available from the Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Training Institute, some unions, and many private sources.

Workers who are environmental science and protection technicians, including health, can become credentialed with the National Environmental Health Association (external link) or through a voluntary registration program such as the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians. Although this is not a requirement, it is highly recommended for employment in Washington. Professional registration as a sanitarian is required for advancement in some agencies.

Requirements for the Board of Registered Sanitarians are:

a bachelor's degree in environmental health; or a bachelor's degree in basic, natural, or physical science related to public health sanitation. Must include a minimum of 45-quarter hours of basic or natural science (contact the Board for the list of required college courses);
12 months of full-time employment as a sanitarian;
successful completion of examination conducted by the Board of Registered Sanitarians;
recommendations from two registered sanitarians within the state of Washington; and
continuing education courses (ten-contact hours per year for registration renewal).

For more information, contact the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians (external link) .

#2/12/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information for nuclear technicians.

Agricultural and food science technicians (SOC 19-4011)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$12.89	$15.33	$18.21	$23.18	$31.55
	Monthly	$2,234	$2,657	$3,156	$4,017	$5,468
	Yearly	$26,810	$31,880	$37,880	$48,220	$65,620
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$15.80	$17.39	$19.90	$30.84	$37.58
	Monthly	$2,738	$3,014	$3,449	$5,345	$6,513
	Yearly	$32,864	$36,173	$41,388	$64,142	$78,165
Vancouver	Hourly	$15.37	$16.76	$18.69	$22.72	$27.41
	Monthly	$2,664	$2,905	$3,239	$3,937	$4,750
	Yearly	$31,982	$34,849	$38,877	$47,248	$57,007
Yakima	Hourly	$12.96	$14.51	$16.95	$18.97	$22.78
	Monthly	$2,246	$2,515	$2,937	$3,288	$3,948
	Yearly	$26,952	$30,177	$35,259	$39,465	$47,377
United States	Hourly	$12.97	$15.89	$19.65	$24.60	$30.78
	Monthly	$2,248	$2,754	$3,405	$4,263	$5,334
	Yearly	$26,980	$33,050	$40,860	$51,170	$64,020

Biological technicians (SOC 19-4021)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$15.20	$17.24	$20.63	$25.16	$30.75
	Monthly	$2,634	$2,988	$3,575	$4,360	$5,329
	Yearly	$31,610	$35,860	$42,910	$52,330	$63,950
Bellingham	Hourly	$17.77	$18.89	$20.47	$23.74	$24.32
	Monthly	$3,080	$3,274	$3,547	$4,114	$4,215
	Yearly	$36,964	$39,306	$42,570	$49,375	$50,583
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$16.04	$19.75	$23.14	$26.37	$34.99
	Monthly	$2,780	$3,423	$4,010	$4,570	$6,064
	Yearly	$33,371	$41,079	$48,116	$54,843	$72,780
Clarkston-Lewiston	Hourly	$12.71	$12.72	$15.38	$19.96	$22.48
	Monthly	$2,203	$2,204	$2,665	$3,459	$3,896
	Yearly	$26,438	$26,449	$32,007	$41,521	$46,773
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$15.46	$17.72	$19.75	$22.33	$23.75
	Monthly	$2,679	$3,071	$3,423	$3,870	$4,116
	Yearly	$32,164	$36,862	$41,074	$46,444	$49,388
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$16.19	$17.76	$20.47	$23.74	$26.20
	Monthly	$2,806	$3,078	$3,547	$4,114	$4,540
	Yearly	$33,676	$36,958	$42,568	$49,376	$54,482
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$16.11	$18.16	$21.97	$26.39	$32.71
	Monthly	$2,792	$3,147	$3,807	$4,573	$5,669
	Yearly	$33,499	$37,772	$45,680	$54,887	$68,037
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$14.21	$16.34	$21.50	$27.67	$30.23
	Monthly	$2,463	$2,832	$3,726	$4,795	$5,239
	Yearly	$29,557	$33,979	$44,717	$57,553	$62,868
Vancouver	Hourly	$15.57	$17.33	$20.33	$24.56	$29.65
	Monthly	$2,698	$3,003	$3,523	$4,256	$5,138
	Yearly	$32,378	$36,045	$42,281	$51,075	$61,660
Walla Walla	Hourly	$13.01	$15.30	$17.26	$19.22	$25.57
	Monthly	$2,255	$2,651	$2,991	$3,331	$4,431
	Yearly	$27,058	$31,821	$35,895	$39,969	$53,170
Wenatchee	Hourly	$13.00	$15.08	$16.97	$22.25	$32.17
	Monthly	$2,253	$2,613	$2,941	$3,856	$5,575
	Yearly	$27,052	$31,366	$35,290	$46,286	$66,921
Yakima	Hourly	$14.30	$16.33	$22.25	$27.54	$32.18
	Monthly	$2,478	$2,830	$3,856	$4,773	$5,577
	Yearly	$29,759	$33,970	$46,290	$57,275	$66,928
United States	Hourly	$14.10	$16.92	$21.39	$27.60	$34.35
	Monthly	$2,444	$2,932	$3,707	$4,783	$5,953
	Yearly	$29,330	$35,190	$44,500	$57,400	$71,440

Chemical technicians (SOC 19-4031)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$13.54	$17.00	$22.55	$29.01	$39.58
	Monthly	$2,346	$2,946	$3,908	$5,027	$6,859
	Yearly	$28,170	$35,350	$46,910	$60,340	$82,320
Bellingham	Hourly	$13.56	$17.01	$20.55	$23.93	$36.92
	Monthly	$2,350	$2,948	$3,561	$4,147	$6,398
	Yearly	$28,205	$35,390	$42,740	$49,763	$76,800
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$14.73	$23.51	$35.98	$44.71	$49.19
	Monthly	$2,553	$4,074	$6,235	$7,748	$8,525
	Yearly	$30,639	$48,908	$74,834	$92,985	$102,314
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$14.78	$17.03	$20.66	$24.17	$28.80
	Monthly	$2,561	$2,951	$3,580	$4,189	$4,991
	Yearly	$30,744	$35,431	$42,970	$50,282	$59,903
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$18.42	$21.75	$25.98	$29.19	$31.11
	Monthly	$3,192	$3,769	$4,502	$5,059	$5,391
	Yearly	$38,312	$45,240	$54,056	$60,714	$64,718
Vancouver	Hourly	$15.26	$17.59	$21.61	$27.34	$32.39
	Monthly	$2,645	$3,048	$3,745	$4,738	$5,613
	Yearly	$31,739	$36,587	$44,948	$56,867	$67,389
Yakima	Hourly	$12.42	$13.72	$16.63	$21.87	$24.79
	Monthly	$2,152	$2,378	$2,882	$3,790	$4,296
	Yearly	$25,834	$28,552	$34,590	$45,495	$51,563
United States	Hourly	$14.39	$17.74	$23.15	$30.22	$38.03
	Monthly	$2,494	$3,074	$4,012	$5,237	$6,591
	Yearly	$29,920	$36,900	$48,160	$62,860	$79,100

Environmental science and protection technicians, including health (SOC 19-4091)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$20.05	$23.62	$34.80	$44.15	$48.87
	Monthly	$3,475	$4,093	$6,031	$7,651	$8,469
	Yearly	$41,710	$49,140	$72,380	$91,830	$101,640
Bellingham	Hourly	$17.93	$20.12	$22.88	$26.43	$29.74
	Monthly	$3,107	$3,487	$3,965	$4,580	$5,154
	Yearly	$37,286	$41,862	$47,587	$54,980	$61,846
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$23.01	$32.85	$41.73	$46.86	$49.93
	Monthly	$3,988	$5,693	$7,232	$8,121	$8,653
	Yearly	$47,868	$68,324	$86,816	$97,474	$103,869
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$27.07	$29.33	$32.88	$36.80	$39.16
	Monthly	$4,691	$5,083	$5,698	$6,377	$6,786
	Yearly	$56,323	$61,000	$68,385	$76,553	$81,454
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$15.81	$18.18	$22.37	$27.79	$41.36
	Monthly	$2,740	$3,151	$3,877	$4,816	$7,168
	Yearly	$32,879	$37,820	$46,526	$57,785	$86,018
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$20.04	$21.69	$24.44	$33.72	$48.28
	Monthly	$3,473	$3,759	$4,235	$5,844	$8,367
	Yearly	$41,682	$45,120	$50,831	$70,123	$100,410
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$20.60	$21.67	$23.46	$24.73	$27.56
	Monthly	$3,570	$3,755	$4,066	$4,286	$4,776
	Yearly	$42,856	$45,086	$48,801	$51,445	$57,332
Vancouver	Hourly	$18.72	$21.81	$27.28	$33.05	$37.98
	Monthly	$3,244	$3,780	$4,728	$5,728	$6,582
	Yearly	$38,934	$45,370	$56,739	$68,743	$79,001
United States	Hourly	$13.72	$17.03	$22.20	$29.44	$38.53
	Monthly	$2,378	$2,951	$3,847	$5,102	$6,677
	Yearly	$28,530	$35,420	$46,170	$61,240	$80,130

Geological and petroleum technicians (SOC 19-4041)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$15.52	$19.70	$24.98	$33.03	$36.95
	Monthly	$2,690	$3,414	$4,329	$5,724	$6,403
	Yearly	$32,280	$40,980	$51,950	$68,700	$76,860
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$21.36	$26.69	$32.34	$36.09	$38.34
	Monthly	$3,702	$4,625	$5,605	$6,254	$6,644
	Yearly	$44,411	$55,502	$67,277	$75,054	$79,736
United States	Hourly	$13.47	$17.78	$25.62	$37.60	$51.98
	Monthly	$2,334	$3,081	$4,440	$6,516	$9,008
	Yearly	$28,020	$36,990	$53,300	$78,220	$108,110

Nuclear technicians (SOC 19-4051)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Wages for this occupation are not available.
United States	Hourly	$23.95	$29.37	$38.05	$46.69	$55.13
	Monthly	$4,151	$5,090	$6,594	$8,091	$9,554
	Yearly	$49,820	$61,090	$79,140	$97,120	$114,670

Wages vary by field. Wages also vary by employer and area of the country. The technician's education and experience also affect wages.

Most full-time science technicians receive typical benefits. These include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Agricultural and Food Science Technicians (SOC 19-4011)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	315	14.6%	16.1%	42
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	85	7.1%	13.4%	10
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	14	7.1%	8.6%	2
Benton and Franklin Counties	19	63.2%	15.0%	4
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	34	11.8%	14.1%	4
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	19	36.8%	14.6%	4
King County	64	-1.6%	19.6%	5
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	70	40.0%	13.8%	14
Pierce County	25	28.0%	15.2%	4
United States	29,200	6.2%	5.2%	3,800

Biological Technicians (SOC 19-4021)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	3,262	17.2%	16.1%	447
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	191	8.9%	13.4%	22
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	147	5.4%	8.6%	16
Benton and Franklin Counties	50	2.0%	15.0%	5
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	121	11.6%	11.9%	14
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	120	8.3%	15.2%	14
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	154	14.9%	14.1%	19
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	62	21.0%	14.6%	8
King County	1,849	22.2%	19.6%	277
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	109	0.9%	13.8%	10
Pierce County	56	7.1%	15.2%	6
Snohomish County	142	16.2%	12.4%	19
Spokane County	178	25.3%	13.9%	28
United States	85,000	6.7%	5.2%	9,800

Chemical Technicians (SOC 19-4031)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	981	9.3%	16.1%	114
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	82	2.4%	13.4%	8
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	14	0.0%	8.6%	1
Benton and Franklin Counties	126	8.7%	15.0%	14
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	17	5.9%	11.9%	2
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	111	7.2%	15.2%	12
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	55	12.7%	14.1%	7
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	139	6.5%	14.6%	15
King County	136	5.1%	19.6%	14
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	21	9.5%	13.8%	2
Pierce County	28	10.7%	15.2%	3
Snohomish County	48	39.6%	12.4%	9
Spokane County	167	14.4%	13.9%	21
United States	70,300	1.7%	5.2%	7,200

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health (SOC 19-4091)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	1,253	15.6%	16.1%	194
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	13	7.7%	13.4%	2
Benton and Franklin Counties	776	-3.9%	15.0%	80
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	17	11.8%	11.9%	2
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	41	9.8%	14.1%	6
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	52	46.2%	14.6%	12
King County	267	40.8%	19.6%	58
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	53	22.6%	13.8%	8
Pierce County	65	13.8%	15.2%	10
Snohomish County	12	58.3%	12.4%	3
Spokane County	28	64.3%	13.9%	8
United States	34,800	9.2%	5.2%	4,600

Geological and Petroleum Technicians (SOC 19-4041)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	51	3.9%	16.1%	5
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	10	0.0%	15.2%	1
King County	20	5.0%	19.6%	2
United States	16,300	6.7%	5.2%	1,800

Nuclear Technicians (SOC 19-4051)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	33	15.2%	16.1%	5
Benton and Franklin Counties	30	13.3%	15.0%	4
United States	7,600	-3.9%	5.2%	900

National employment

Major employers:

Research and testing services
Federal, state, and local government agencies
Engineering firms
Drug manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation varies by industry and type of technician. The fastest growth will occur for environmental science, geological, petroleum and biological technicians. Chemical and nuclear technicians can expect slow growth. Average growth will occur for agriculture and food science technicians.

Many job openings will arise from the need to replace technicians who retire or leave the field. Job prospects are best for those with experience.

Other resources

Air and Waste Management Association
Koppers Building
436 Seventh Avenue, Suite 2100
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
800.270.3444
412.232.3444

American Chemical Society
1155 Sixteenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
800.227.5558

American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
800.966.2481
202.462.6900

American Geosciences Institute
4220 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
703.379.2480

American Institute of Biological Sciences
1800 Alexander Bell Drive, Suite 400
Reston, VA 20191
703.674.2500

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
11200 Rockville Pike
Ste 302
Rockville, MD 20852-3110
240.283.6600

American Society for Microbiology
1752 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.737.3600

American Society for Microbiology Podcasts

Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography

Careers in Biotechnology

Careers in the Biological Sciences
From the American Institute of Biological Sciences

Careers in the Nuclear Industry
(from the Nuclear Energy Institute)

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
4420 West Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50014
515.292.2125

Engineer Girl!
National Academy of Engineering

Entomological Society of America
3 Park Place, Suite 307
Annapolis, MD 21401
301.731.4535

Environmental Protection Agency
Park Place Building
1200 - 6th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101

Environmental Technology Council
1112 - 16th Street, Suite 420
Washington, DC 20036
202.783.0870

Institute of Food Technologists
525 West Van Buren, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60607
312.782.8424

Life Science Washington
188 East Blaine Street
Suite 150
Seattle, WA 98102
206.456.9567

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 5128
Washington, DC 20230
202.482.6090

Nuclear Energy Institute
1201 F Street NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20004
202.739.8000

Profiles in Ocean Careers

Society for Developmental Biology
6120 Executive Blvd, Suite 725
Rockville, MD 20852,

Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology
3929 Old Lee Highway, Suite 92A
Fairfax, VA 22030-2421
703.691.3357

Technology Student Association
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Office of Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20555-0001
800.368.5642

Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians
PO Box 384
Snohomish, WA 98291
425.377.1855

Water Environment Federation
601 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
800.666.0206

References

Career cluster

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupations

O*Net job zones

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.