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The differences between hydrologists 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 hydrologist, becoming an environmental scientist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a hydrologist has an average salary of $92,871, which is higher than the $60,208 average annual salary of an environmental scientist.
The top three skills for a hydrologist include water resources, data collection and surface water. The most important skills for an environmental scientist are environmental compliance, data collection, and GIS.
| Hydrologist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $92,871 | $60,208 |
| Hourly rate | $44.65 | $28.95 |
| Growth rate | - | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 6,175 | 56,425 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Average age | 45 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 6 |
A hydrologist studies the water systems' dynamics in the Earth's crust and uses the data to solve water maintenance issues, water scarcity, water management, water quality, and environmental effects on water systems. These professionals analyze concerns related to hydroelectric power plants, local water projects, and dam safety. Besides measuring water pollution levels, hydrologists also conduct fieldwork to gather soil samples and water samples. They determine water flow, water volume, and PH levels by measuring water properties.
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.
Hydrologists and environmental scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hydrologist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Average salary | $92,871 | $60,208 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $135,000 | Between $43,000 And $84,000 |
| Highest paying City | Silver Spring, MD | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Shell | Chevron |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a hydrologist and an environmental scientist in terms of educational background:
| Hydrologist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | Geology | Environmental Science |
| Most common college | University of California, Berkeley | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between hydrologists' and environmental scientists' demographics:
| Hydrologist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Average age | 45 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0% | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 0.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Asian, 5.7% White, 81.7% 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% |