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The differences between associate environmental scientists and environmental engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an associate environmental scientist, becoming an environmental engineer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an environmental engineer has an average salary of $75,718, which is higher than the $57,206 average annual salary of an associate environmental scientist.
The top three skills for an associate environmental scientist include patients, cleanliness and patient rooms. The most important skills for an environmental engineer are environmental compliance, project management, and OSHA.
| Associate Environmental Scientist | Environmental Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $57,206 | $75,718 |
| Hourly rate | $27.50 | $36.40 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 56,225 | 24,787 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 12 |
An associate environmental scientist is in charge of conducting research and scientific studies concerning the environment and nature. Their responsibilities typically revolve around observing subject areas, gathering samples, performing analysis and experiments, and maintaining an extensive record of all procedures. They must also summarize their findings into comprehensive documents and presentations, reporting to head scientists as needed. Furthermore, there are instances when one may recommend new policies, participate in raising environmental awareness, and facilitate discussions at learning institutions.
Environmental engineers use the principles of science, biology, engineering, and chemistry to create solutions to certain environmental problems. They primarily work to improve waste disposal, public health, recycling, and to control water and air pollution. It is also their responsibility to address global issues, such as climate change, unsafe drinking water, and environmental sustainability. They typically prepare and review environmental investigation reports so that documents and permits are updated and in compliance with environmental regulations.
Associate environmental scientists and environmental engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Environmental Scientist | Environmental Engineer | |
| Average salary | $57,206 | $75,718 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $83,000 | Between $58,000 And $98,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Louisiana |
| Best paying company | National Grid plc | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between an associate environmental scientist and an environmental engineer in terms of educational background:
| Associate Environmental Scientist | Environmental Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Environmental Science | Civil Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of California, Berkeley |
Here are the differences between associate environmental scientists' and environmental engineers' demographics:
| Associate Environmental Scientist | Environmental Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.9% Female, 43.1% | Male, 70.5% Female, 29.5% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 12.9% White, 69.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 13% |