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The differences between environmental scientists and environmental geologists 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 environmental geologist. Additionally, an environmental geologist has an average salary of $64,927, which is higher than the $60,208 average annual salary of an environmental scientist.
The top three skills for an environmental scientist include environmental compliance, data collection and GIS. The most important skills for an environmental geologist are surface water, OSHA, and remediation projects.
| Environmental Scientist | Environmental Geologist | |
| Yearly salary | $60,208 | $64,927 |
| Hourly rate | $28.95 | $31.21 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 56,425 | 16,395 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 84% |
| 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 Environmental Geologist helps prevent the contamination of soil and groundwater. They study the physical characteristics and composition of the Earth and its natural resources.
Environmental scientists and environmental geologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Environmental Scientist | Environmental Geologist | |
| Average salary | $60,208 | $64,927 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $84,000 | Between $50,000 And $84,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | Chevron | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between an environmental scientist and an environmental geologist in terms of educational background:
| Environmental Scientist | Environmental Geologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 84% |
| Most common major | Environmental Science | Geology |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between environmental scientists' and environmental geologists' demographics:
| Environmental Scientist | Environmental Geologist | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% | Male, 81.0% Female, 19.0% |
| 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% |