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Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health Salary in Des Moines, IA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health in Des Moines, IA have a median annual salary of $46,950, with 130 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $38,170 at the 10th percentile to $83,720 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$46,950

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$22.57

Employment

130

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$38,170
10th
$39,140
25th
$46,950
Median
$63,000
75th
$83,720
90th

Local compared with national

Des Moines, IA

$46,950

Median annual · 2025

United States

$55,090

Median annual · 2025

The Des Moines, IA median is 14.8% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $8,140).

Top skills

  1. 1.Reading ComprehensionImportance 4.0
  2. 2.Active ListeningImportance 3.9
  3. 3.WritingImportance 3.9
  4. 4.SpeakingImportance 3.9
  5. 5.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.8
  6. 6.ScienceImportance 3.4
  7. 7.MonitoringImportance 3.4
  8. 8.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.3
  9. 9.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3
  10. 10.MathematicsImportance 3.1
  11. 11.Active LearningImportance 3.1
  12. 12.Systems AnalysisImportance 3.1

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
None
Job zone
4

Technology used

  • Autodesk Softdesk
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Database software
  • Email software
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • ESRI ArcInfo
  • ESRI ArcPad
  • ESRI ArcView
  • ESRI software
  • FishXing
  • Flood modeling software
  • Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
  • Graphics software
  • HEC-HMS

Common tasks

  • Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
  • Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
  • Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
  • Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
  • Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
  • Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
  • Weigh, analyze, or measure collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock, to determine concentration of pollutants.
  • Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.
  • Provide information or technical or program assistance to government representatives, employers, or the general public on the issues of public health, environmental protection, or workplace safety.
  • Maintain files, such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information, or diagrams showing equipment locations.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health salary in other locations

Other occupations in Des Moines, IA