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The differences between associate environmental scientists and environmental technicians 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 technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an associate environmental scientist has an average salary of $57,206, which is higher than the $39,690 average annual salary of an environmental technician.
The top three skills for an associate environmental scientist include patients, cleanliness and patient rooms. The most important skills for an environmental technician are patients, OSHA, and hazardous materials.
| Associate Environmental Scientist | Environmental Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $57,206 | $39,690 |
| Hourly rate | $27.50 | $19.08 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 56,225 | 43,079 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 39 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
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.
An environmental technician is responsible for identifying, evaluating, preventing, and controlling contamination of the environment. They study how it affects human health with the supervision of environmental engineers and environmental scientists. Environmental technicians work by monitoring the environment and look for possible sources of pollution and contamination that can possibly affect public health. They make sure that environmental violations are prevented. In addition, an environmental technician also investigates any complaint that is related to water quality, air quality, and food safety.
Associate environmental scientists and environmental technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Environmental Scientist | Environmental Technician | |
| Average salary | $57,206 | $39,690 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $83,000 | Between $30,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Danbury, CT |
| Highest paying state | California | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | National Grid plc | City of Detroit |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between an associate environmental scientist and an environmental technician in terms of educational background:
| Associate Environmental Scientist | Environmental Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Environmental Science | Environmental Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Duke University |
Here are the differences between associate environmental scientists' and environmental technicians' demographics:
| Associate Environmental Scientist | Environmental Technician | |
| Average age | 39 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.9% Female, 43.1% | Male, 73.3% Female, 26.7% |
| 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, 9.7% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 8% |