Environmental inspector vs environmental compliance inspector

The differences between environmental inspectors and environmental compliance inspectors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an environmental compliance inspector has an average salary of $51,859, which is higher than the $43,952 average annual salary of an environmental inspector.

The top three skills for an environmental inspector include environmental compliance, SWPPP and state regulations. The most important skills for an environmental compliance inspector are environmental compliance, inspection reports, and compliance audits.

Environmental inspector vs environmental compliance inspector overview

	Environmental Inspector	Environmental Compliance Inspector
Yearly salary	$43,952	$51,859
Hourly rate	$21.13	$24.93
Growth rate	5%	9%
Number of jobs	33,791	46,454
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 71%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	-	-

What does an environmental inspector do?

Environmental Inspectors search websites for job searching to check if there are any violations of the environmental code and take immediate proper actions to restore the site's compliance. They also look through different permits, licenses, and records to ensure that everything has been done properly. They should also be informed and updated about the latest regulations related to their field. In cases where they find a violation, Environmental Compliance Inspectors may or may not be required to perform a follow-up with the case and ensure compliance will no longer be an issue.

What does an environmental compliance inspector do?

An environmental compliance technician performs the collection of hazardous wastes from schools to a central location for processing. They are also responsible for the proper labeling and recording of samples. They assist supervisors in collecting samples and setting up instruments for the collection. They also help make sure spills, hazardous or not, are contained by using absorbents, sweepers, and vacuums. They must communicate well, expressing concerns and suggesting improvements. They must maintain records strictly for future reference.

Environmental inspector vs environmental compliance inspector salary

Environmental inspectors and environmental compliance inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Environmental Inspector	Environmental Compliance Inspector
Average salary	$43,952	$51,859
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $65,000	Between $34,000 And $77,000
Highest paying City	-	San Mateo, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	City of Seattle
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between environmental inspector and environmental compliance inspector education

There are a few differences between an environmental inspector and an environmental compliance inspector in terms of educational background:

	Environmental Inspector	Environmental Compliance Inspector
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 71%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common major	Environmental Science	Business
Most common college	Duke University	Stanford University

Environmental inspector vs environmental compliance inspector demographics

Here are the differences between environmental inspectors' and environmental compliance inspectors' demographics:

	Environmental Inspector	Environmental Compliance Inspector
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 81.5% Female, 18.5%	Male, 74.5% Female, 25.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 8.4% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 8.1% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	12%	12%

Differences between environmental inspector and environmental compliance inspector duties and responsibilities

Environmental inspector example responsibilities.

Manage environmental team, implement SWPPP.
Perform fit test, EPA regulate air sampling, training and scheduling and manage HealthRX database.
Provide EHS regulatory compliance services to several federal government clients and manage hazardous waste documentation databases.
Ensure compliance with NPDES, SWPPP, and SPPC.
Utilize GIS skills in sewer mapping and GPS field data collection.
Interface with OSHA, FEMA, DCED, EPA, USACOE, PADEP, PADOT local municipalities and contractors.

Environmental compliance inspector example responsibilities.

Manage NPDES permitting requirements in compliance assurance and permit interpretation.
Solve issues relate to EPA, sampling data management, internal and external reporting, compliance and permitting issues.
Present design and product engineers with cost effective FCC compliance solutions to certify new products to domestic and international regulatory standards.
Perform inspection of PCB trough system in cascade buildings.
Conduct inspections of school systems in accordance with EPA AHERA management protocols.
Inspect both public and private schools to ensure compliance with the federal AHERA regulation.

Environmental inspector vs environmental compliance inspector skills

Common environmental inspector skills

Environmental Compliance, 12%
SWPPP, 6%
State Regulations, 5%
Pipeline Construction, 4%
GPS, 4%
Technical Reports, 4%

Common environmental compliance inspector skills

Environmental Compliance, 9%
Inspection Reports, 7%
Compliance Audits, 7%
Water Quality, 5%
OSHA, 4%
Local Regulations, 4%

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Environmental Inspector
Environmental Inspector vs Environmental Compliance Inspector

Updated January 8, 2025

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