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The differences between geotechnical engineers and environmental engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a geotechnical engineer, becoming an environmental engineer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an environmental engineer has an average salary of $75,718, which is higher than the $74,831 average annual salary of a geotechnical engineer.
The top three skills for a geotechnical engineer include geotechnical, civil engineering and project management. The most important skills for an environmental engineer are environmental compliance, project management, and OSHA.
| Geotechnical Engineer | Environmental Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $74,831 | $75,718 |
| Hourly rate | $35.98 | $36.40 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 15,062 | 24,787 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 41 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 12 |
A Geotechnical Engineer plans and designs the structures for buildings, roads, embankments, canals, and other construction projects. They provide advice to civil and structural engineers, architects, and construction personnel.
Environmental engineers use the principles of science, biology, engineering, and chemistry to create solutions to certain environmental problems. They primarily work to improve waste disposal, public health, recycling, and to control water and air pollution. It is also their responsibility to address global issues, such as climate change, unsafe drinking water, and environmental sustainability. They typically prepare and review environmental investigation reports so that documents and permits are updated and in compliance with environmental regulations.
Geotechnical engineers and environmental engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Geotechnical Engineer | Environmental Engineer | |
| Average salary | $74,831 | $75,718 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $99,000 | Between $58,000 And $98,000 |
| Highest paying City | Anchorage, AK | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Louisiana |
| Best paying company | BP America Inc | |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a geotechnical engineer and an environmental engineer in terms of educational background:
| Geotechnical Engineer | Environmental Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Civil Engineering | Civil Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | University of California, Berkeley |
Here are the differences between geotechnical engineers' and environmental engineers' demographics:
| Geotechnical Engineer | Environmental Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.8% Female, 17.2% | Male, 70.5% Female, 29.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 17.0% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 12.9% White, 69.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 13% |