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The differences between environmental scientists and associate 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 scientist and an associate environmental scientist. Additionally, an environmental scientist has an average salary of $60,208, which is higher than the $57,206 average annual salary of an associate environmental scientist.
The top three skills for an environmental scientist include environmental compliance, data collection and GIS. The most important skills for an associate environmental scientist are patients, cleanliness, and patient rooms.
| Environmental Scientist | Associate Environmental Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $60,208 | $57,206 |
| Hourly rate | $28.95 | $27.50 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 56,425 | 56,225 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
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 scientists and associate environmental scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Environmental Scientist | Associate Environmental Scientist | |
| Average salary | $60,208 | $57,206 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $84,000 | Between $39,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Chevron | National Grid plc |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between an environmental scientist and an associate environmental scientist in terms of educational background:
| Environmental Scientist | Associate Environmental Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Environmental Science | Environmental Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between environmental scientists' and associate environmental scientists' demographics:
| Environmental Scientist | Associate Environmental Scientist | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% | Male, 56.9% Female, 43.1% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Asian, 5.0% White, 81.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 16% |