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$15

$28

$48

How much do environmental lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental lab in the United States is $28.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an environmental lab?

An environmental lab is a specialized facility that conducts scientific testing and analysis of environmental samples such as water, soil, air, and waste. These labs play a crucial role in monitoring pollution, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting environmental research. Technicians and scientists use advanced equipment and standardized procedures to detect contaminants, assess environmental health, and provide data for decision-making. Environmental labs serve government agencies, industries, and the public to help protect the environment and public health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental laboratory technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Environmental Laboratory Technician, you need a background in environmental science or chemistry, strong analytical skills, and often an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instruments like spectrometers, gas chromatographs, and data management software, as well as certifications such as OSHA or HAZWOPER, are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication help technicians ensure accuracy and compliance while collaborating with colleagues. These skills are vital for producing reliable data, maintaining safety, and supporting environmental monitoring and regulatory efforts.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in an environmental laboratory, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in an environmental lab often encounter challenges such as strict adherence to quality assurance protocols, managing tight deadlines for sample analysis, and handling a diverse range of complex environmental samples. Staying organized, maintaining meticulous documentation, and regularly calibrating equipment are essential for accuracy and compliance. Collaborative teamwork and ongoing training also help address evolving regulations and technological advancements, ensuring reliable results and a positive work environment.

What is the difference between Environmental Lab vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEnvironmental LabEnvironmental Technician
CertificationsLab certifications, such as CLIA or ISOEnvironmental certifications, like OSHA or EPA training
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting with analytical equipmentFieldwork and site inspections
Job FocusAnalyzing samples, data interpretationSample collection, site monitoring
Employer & IndustryEnvironmental testing labs, research facilitiesEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies

Environmental Lab roles primarily involve laboratory analysis and data interpretation, requiring specialized certifications and working in controlled lab environments. In contrast, Environmental Technicians focus on fieldwork, sample collection, and site monitoring. Both roles are essential in environmental industries but differ in work setting and responsibilities.

How to become an environmental lab technician?

To become an environmental lab technician, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring an associate degree in environmental science, chemistry, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and proficiency with testing equipment; certifications such as OSHA safety training can also be beneficial.
More about Environmental Lab jobs

What cities are hiring for Environmental Lab jobs?

Cities with the most Environmental Lab job openings:

What states have the most Environmental Lab jobs?

States with the most job openings for Environmental Lab jobs include:

Environmental Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Lab job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,435 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Environmental Lab Analyst

Iowa City, IA • On-site

University of Iowa
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University of Iowaexternal

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday

New

University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

463rd of 633 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The State Hygienic Laboratory in Coralville is seeking an Environmental Laboratory Analyst to work in its Analytical Chemistry Testing Program. The analyst will perform analyses of water and environmental samples for wide variety of chemical contaminants. The analyst will be responsible for maintaining and operating various instrumentations, including liquid and gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers and other associated equipment to ensure prompt analytical response and minimal turnaround times back to external partners and customers.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
Work Location: Coralville, IA
Work Modality: In-Person, on-site
To learn more about the department visit https://shl.uiowa.edu/
For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.
About Pay and Compensation:
Pay Grade: 3A
Qualifications:
Education or Equivalency Required:
Bachelor's degree in chemistry or closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Qualifications:
• Ability to perform tasks that require accuracy, attention to detail, including accurate record keeping.
• Demonstrates effective communication, using varied tools and techniques to transmit, receive, and interpret information, both written and verbally.
• Demonstrate the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and civil manner and utilize existing resources and learning to achieve or exceed desired outcomes of current and future organizational goals and needs.
• Extensive proficiency with Windows based systems, computer and digital operations.
Highly Desirable Qualifications:
• Demonstrate six months to one year, of relevant laboratory experience.
• Demonstrate working knowledge and experience using and maintaining laboratory instrumentation.
• Basic environmental lab testing experience (e.g., water or other environmental testing) in high throughput lab setting.
Desirable Qualifications:
• Basic familiarity with state and federal environmental testing regulations.
• Demonstrate working knowledge and experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Experience with gas chromatography with various detectors such as mass spectrometer, electron capture detector (ECD), flame ionization detector (FID).
• Experience with high performance liquid chromatography with various detectors such as mass spectrometer, ultraviolet (UV), and fluorescence.
Position and Application Details and Instructions:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following required documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:
• Cover Letter
• Resume
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact: VPR Talent (vpr-talent@uiowa.edu)
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
About the University of Iowa
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

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