Environmental Technologyat Iowa State University
Graduates earn $63,707/yr in their first year — about 26.0% above the national Environmental Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $618K; scenarios range from $579K to $625K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Iowa State University
This specialized program at Iowa State leverages the university's strong engineering and technical heritage, positioning you for a vital role in critical infrastructure. The demand for skilled technicians in environmental control, particularly within utility operations, large-scale agriculture, and manufacturing across Iowa and the Midwest, creates a robust regional job market. Your training here equips you with hands-on expertise in areas like water quality management, HVAC systems, and regulatory compliance, skills that are deeply embedded in physical systems and less susceptible to full automation. Graduates often find roles with municipal water departments, industrial facilities, or specialized environmental consulting and contracting firms. To maximize your prospects, actively pursue internships with local utilities or engineering firms; practical experience is invaluable for securing your first post-graduation role.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Iowa State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Environmental Technology
How Iowa State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Iowa State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Iowa State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Environmental Technology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Environmental Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Environmental Technology at Iowa State University
What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Environmental Technology at Iowa State University?
At 55/100, Iowa State University's Environmental Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.