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The differences between hydrogeologists and environmental scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a hydrogeologist, becoming an environmental scientist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a hydrogeologist has an average salary of $74,733, which is higher than the $60,208 average annual salary of an environmental scientist.
The top three skills for a hydrogeologist include surface water, oversight and data collection. The most important skills for an environmental scientist are environmental compliance, data collection, and GIS.
| Hydrogeologist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $74,733 | $60,208 |
| Hourly rate | $35.93 | $28.95 |
| Growth rate | - | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 2,154 | 56,425 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Average age | 45 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 6 |
A hydrogeologist specializes in studying and examining the movement of groundwater in different areas. Their job focuses on gathering and analyzing samples, monitoring the quality and distribution of water, conducting risk assessments, and creating visual models using various tools and software. Through their research findings, a hydrogeologist can develop recommendations and strategies that various programs and projects can utilize for their operations. A hydrogeologist can find employment opportunities in education, construction and mining companies, and government agencies.
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.
Hydrogeologists and environmental scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hydrogeologist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Average salary | $74,733 | $60,208 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $106,000 | Between $43,000 And $84,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Ramon, CA | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Chevron | Chevron |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Technology |
There are a few differences between a hydrogeologist and an environmental scientist in terms of educational background:
| Hydrogeologist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | Geology | Environmental Science |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between hydrogeologists' and environmental scientists' demographics:
| Hydrogeologist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Average age | 45 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.3% Female, 22.7% | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 1.1% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Asian, 4.3% White, 82.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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 | 4% | 16% |