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Archaeologist vs environmental scientist

The differences between archaeologists and environmental scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an archaeologist, becoming an environmental scientist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an environmental scientist has an average salary of $60,208, which is higher than the $50,314 average annual salary of an archaeologist.

The top three skills for an archaeologist include excavations, GPS and GIS. The most important skills for an environmental scientist are environmental compliance, data collection, and GIS.

Archaeologist vs environmental scientist overview

ArchaeologistEnvironmental Scientist
Yearly salary$50,314$60,208
Hourly rate$24.19$28.95
Growth rate6%5%
Number of jobs4,26056,425
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4139
Years of experience26

What does an archaeologist do?

An Archaeologist is focused on studying past human activity. They record, interpret, and preserve archaeological remains for future generations.

What does an environmental scientist do?

Environmental scientists are responsible for analyzing environmental issues and creating their solutions. They protect the environment together with human health by using their understanding of natural science. It is their job to advise policy-makers, work with industry professionals to reduce waste, and clean up polluted areas. Also, they assess environmental risks and research to guide businesses, government administrators, as well as the general public on probable environmental threats and health risks. Additionally, they ensure that these entities follow the environmental regulations and policies to help minimize their environmental impact on the ecosystem.

Archaeologist vs environmental scientist salary

Archaeologists and environmental scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.

ArchaeologistEnvironmental Scientist
Average salary$50,314$60,208
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $75,000Between $43,000 And $84,000
Highest paying CityChelmsford, MANovato, CA
Highest paying stateRhode IslandCalifornia
Best paying companyArcadisChevron
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between archaeologist and environmental scientist education

There are a few differences between an archaeologist and an environmental scientist in terms of educational background:

ArchaeologistEnvironmental Scientist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorAnthropologyEnvironmental Science
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Archaeologist vs environmental scientist demographics

Here are the differences between archaeologists' and environmental scientists' demographics:

ArchaeologistEnvironmental Scientist
Average age4139
Gender ratioMale, 52.9% Female, 47.1%Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 6.7% White, 66.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Asian, 5.0% White, 81.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage11%16%

Differences between archaeologist and environmental scientist duties and responsibilities

Archaeologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage field research, artifact database, data records, and federal and state require reports.
  • Manage contracts for curation of museum items, propose actions to repatriate NAGPRA materials and resolve curation problems.
  • Coordinate and authore NEPA and NHPA documents for federal projects.
  • Coordinate requirements of the NHPA and NEPA by serving as an NEPA interdisciplinary team member and providing expert technical advice.
  • Convert data files to GIS shape files and create maps for use in publications using ArcGIS 9.0 and ESRI digital maps.
  • Conduct and organize archaeological field surveys, excavations, testing, data recovery, and construction/ environmental monitoring.
  • Show more

Environmental scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage matters relate to CERCLA, RCRA, CWA, OPA, ESA and land use issues.
  • Lead a team of brain cancer immunotherapy with CTLA-4 or PD-L1 antibody conjugate drug.
  • Manage hazardous waste, biohazardous waste, radioactive waste, industrial hygiene, respirator protection, and MSDS database.
  • Lead numerous consultation meetings with USACE, BOEM, USCG, NMFS, USFWS and other state and federal agencies.
  • Develop and manage company EHS compliance processes in accordance with current and upcoming regulatory mandates.
  • Review all operation plans (SWPPP, SPCC, HAZMAT etc . )
  • Show more

Archaeologist vs environmental scientist skills

Common archaeologist skills
  • Excavations, 27%
  • GPS, 12%
  • GIS, 7%
  • Technical Reports, 6%
  • Data Recovery, 5%
  • Background Research, 4%
Common environmental scientist skills
  • Environmental Compliance, 5%
  • Data Collection, 5%
  • GIS, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Technical Reports, 5%
  • Oversight, 5%

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