Environmental Control Technologies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Environmental Control Technologies is a specialized field focused on the design, implementation, and optimization of systems that regulate indoor environmental conditions to ensure safety, comfort, and efficiency. This program equips learners with the technical expertise needed to manage complex building environments through advanced control strategies and integrated systems.
- Building Automation Systems (BAS): Study of centralized digital platforms that monitor and control HVAC, lighting, security, and other building functions to improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Integration: Exploration of how thermal and air quality systems are engineered and coordinated to maintain optimal indoor environments across diverse building types.
- Sustainable Environmental Design: Application of eco-conscious principles in system planning, emphasizing energy conservation, reduced emissions, and long-term environmental performance.
- Energy Management and Monitoring: Training in real-time data collection, analysis, and optimization techniques to reduce energy consumption and support compliance with green building standards.
- Control System Programming and Troubleshooting: Hands-on development of logic-based programming for environmental controls, along with diagnostic methods for identifying and resolving system malfunctions.
- Smart Building Technologies: Examination of emerging IoT-enabled devices and networked systems that enhance responsiveness, automation, and predictive maintenance in modern facilities.
Environmental Control Technologies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Environmental Control Technologies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Environmental Control Technologies degrees, including Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 64,410 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other 17-3029 | $77,390 | $47,010 - $114,630 | 64,410 | $37.21 |
Environmental Control Technologies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $58,350 in Vermont to $109,120 in District of Columbia—a 87% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New Mexico, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 64,410 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Environmental Control Technologies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 13 institutions offering Environmental Control Technologies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Environmental Control Technologies is found at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) (39 graduates), Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC) (22 graduates), New River Community College (NRCC) (16 graduates), Chattahoochee Technical College (10 graduates), and North Georgia Technical College (10 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 125 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
39 | Big Stone Gap, Virginia | Public | mecc.edu |
| Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
22 | Sumter, South Carolina | Public | cctech.edu |
| New River Community College (NRCC) |
Other Award
|
16 | Dublin, Virginia | Public | nr.edu |
| Chattahoochee Technical College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | Marietta, Georgia | Public | chattahoocheetech.edu |
| North Georgia Technical College |
Associate's
|
10 | Clarkesville, Georgia | Public | northgatech.edu |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) |
Associate's
|
8 | Green Bay, Wisconsin | Public | nwtc.edu |
| Bismarck State College (BSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
6 | Bismarck, North Dakota | Public | bismarckstate.edu |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | San German, Puerto Rico | Private | sg.inter.edu |
| Cape Cod Community College (4Cs) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
3 | West Barnstable, Massachusetts | Public | capecod.edu |
| Methodist University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Fayetteville, North Carolina | Private | methodist.edu |
| New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) |
Master's
|
1 | Old Westbury, New York | Private | nyit.edu |
| Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Alberta, Virginia | Public | southside.edu |
| Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Abingdon, Virginia | Public | vhcc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Environmental Control Technologies programs
How much can I earn with a Environmental Control Technologies degree?
Salaries for Environmental Control Technologies graduates vary by role and location. Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other earn a median of $77,390 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $109,120 compared to $58,350 in Vermont. Approximately 64,410 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Environmental Control Technologies programs?
Currently 13 accredited institutions offer Environmental Control Technologies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) (39 graduates), Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC) (22 graduates), and New River Community College (NRCC) (16 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Environmental Control Technologies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 192 in 2010 to 125 in 2023-24. This represents a 35% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Environmental Control Technologies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 64,410 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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