Environmental inspector vs environmental compliance manager

The differences between environmental inspectors and environmental compliance managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an environmental compliance manager has an average salary of $68,648, 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 manager are regulatory agencies, oversight, and hazardous waste.

Environmental inspector vs environmental compliance manager overview

	Environmental Inspector	Environmental Compliance Manager
Yearly salary	$43,952	$68,648
Hourly rate	$21.13	$33.00
Growth rate	5%	6%
Number of jobs	33,791	35,731
Job satisfaction	-	2
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 71%	Bachelor's Degree, 73%
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 manager do?

Environmental Compliance Managers are responsible for managing an organization's environmental performance and ensuring that they comply with environmental laws. Their main role is to assess their organization's current business practices and develop strategies that improve and meet environmental targets. Part of their daily tasks is to perform environmental audits and assessments and develop environmental strategies and policies. There are a few skills required to be a good environmental compliance manager. These include critical-thinking skills, leadership skills, and communication skills.

Environmental inspector vs environmental compliance manager salary

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

	Environmental Inspector	Environmental Compliance Manager
Average salary	$43,952	$68,648
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $65,000	Between $43,000 And $108,000
Highest paying City	-	Oakland, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	CVR Energy
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between environmental inspector and environmental compliance manager education

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

	Environmental Inspector	Environmental Compliance Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 71%	Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common major	Environmental Science	Environmental Science
Most common college	Duke University	Duke University

Environmental inspector vs environmental compliance manager demographics

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

	Environmental Inspector	Environmental Compliance Manager
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 81.5% Female, 18.5%	Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4%
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, 11.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 8.1% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	12%	12%

Differences between environmental inspector and environmental compliance manager 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 manager example responsibilities.

Manage EHS regulatory compliance programs, including RCRA LQG requirements.
Manage special projects such as the remediation of hazardous and RCRA contaminate sites after facilities are closed.
Manage sewage treatment plant direct discharge monitoring, operation, reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Track operation's NPDES, SMCRA, and SPCC permits.
Maintain and train staff on applicable SWPPP, SPCC, and BUSTR protocols.
Conduct facility audits for compliance with OSHA, EPA, NIOSH and NFPA requirements and consistency with corporate policies.

Environmental inspector vs environmental compliance manager skills

Common environmental inspector skills

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

Common environmental compliance manager skills

Regulatory Agencies, 10%
Oversight, 5%
Hazardous Waste, 5%
OSHA, 5%
Hazardous Materials, 5%
EPA, 5%

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Environmental Inspector
Environmental Inspector vs Environmental Compliance Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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