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The differences between environmental specialists 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 specialist and an associate environmental scientist. Additionally, an associate environmental scientist has an average salary of $57,206, which is higher than the $54,482 average annual salary of an environmental specialist.
The top three skills for an environmental specialist include hazardous waste, environmental compliance and hazardous materials. The most important skills for an associate environmental scientist are patients, cleanliness, and patient rooms.
| Environmental Specialist | Associate Environmental Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $54,482 | $57,206 |
| Hourly rate | $26.19 | $27.50 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 18,074 | 56,225 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
Environmental specialists are experts in natural science who are responsible for monitoring the environmental impact of a population, identifying environmental problems, and recommending measures to solve these issues. These scientists perform various duties and responsibilities that include overseeing field examinations and reporting hazard materials and locations, evaluating environmental health concerns, and investigating preparing reports related to environmental issues. Environmental specialists are also responsible for consulting with agencies or clients about an issue or situation and working with other companies to reduce pollution and waste.
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 specialists and associate environmental scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Environmental Specialist | Associate Environmental Scientist | |
| Average salary | $54,482 | $57,206 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $80,000 | Between $39,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Texas Instruments | National Grid plc |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between an environmental specialist and an associate environmental scientist in terms of educational background:
| Environmental Specialist | Associate Environmental Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Environmental Science | Environmental Science |
| Most common college | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between environmental specialists' and associate environmental scientists' demographics:
| Environmental Specialist | Associate Environmental Scientist | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.6% Female, 37.4% | 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% |