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The differences between environmental safety specialists and environmental scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an environmental safety specialist and an environmental scientist. Additionally, an environmental scientist has an average salary of $60,208, which is higher than the $51,267 average annual salary of an environmental safety specialist.
The top three skills for an environmental safety specialist include OSHA, hazardous materials and corrective action. The most important skills for an environmental scientist are environmental compliance, data collection, and GIS.
| Environmental Safety Specialist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $51,267 | $60,208 |
| Hourly rate | $24.65 | $28.95 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 31,038 | 56,425 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Average age | 45 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
An environmental safety specialist is responsible for promoting environmental sustainability by ensuring that the production and manufacturing operations of an organization would not harm the environment's condition in any way. Environmental safety specialists monitor the safety and efficiency of the company's processes to minimize risks and hazards that may occur in the workplace. They also plan and facilitate safety training and programs for all employees to reiterate safety guidelines and regulations while within the premises.
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.
Environmental safety specialists and environmental scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Environmental Safety Specialist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Average salary | $51,267 | $60,208 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $72,000 | Between $43,000 And $84,000 |
| Highest paying City | Toledo, OH | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Eli Lilly and Company | Chevron |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Technology |
There are a few differences between an environmental safety specialist and an environmental scientist in terms of educational background:
| Environmental Safety Specialist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | Occupational Safety And Health | Environmental Science |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between environmental safety specialists' and environmental scientists' demographics:
| Environmental Safety Specialist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Average age | 45 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.5% Female, 26.5% | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 5.7% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% | 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 Percentage | 7% | 16% |