<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THERMO
TERRATECH INC.'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 29,
1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-29-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-29-1997
<CASH>                                          63,172
<SECURITIES>                                    31,362
<RECEIVABLES>                                   53,029
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,838
<INVENTORY>                                      3,021
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               187,038
<PP&E>                                         132,332
<DEPRECIATION>                                  48,766
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 393,784
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          109,723
<BONDS>                                        165,186
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         1,830
<OTHER-SE>                                      81,696
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   393,784
<SALES>                                         27,119
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               278,503
<CGS>                                           22,677
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  230,080
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 8,846
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   625
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              12,914
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  (291)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,705
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              (162)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     (162)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.01)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0