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Meteorologist vs environmental scientist

The differences between meteorologists and environmental scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a meteorologist has an average salary of $68,815, which is higher than the $60,208 average annual salary of an environmental scientist.

The top three skills for a meteorologist include doppler, remote sensing and satellite imagery. The most important skills for an environmental scientist are environmental compliance, data collection, and GIS.

Meteorologist vs environmental scientist overview

MeteorologistEnvironmental Scientist
Yearly salary$68,815$60,208
Hourly rate$33.08$28.95
Growth rate4%5%
Number of jobs6,21456,425
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4039
Years of experience-6

What does a meteorologist do?

A meteorologist specializes in understanding and interpreting atmospheric data, usually from weather stations and satellites, and delivering weather forecasts to the public through radio or television. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with different external agencies, developing models for weather prediction, monitoring sea and land patterns, performing research and analysis, and keeping abreast of the latest developments. Furthermore, as a meteorologist, it is essential to update and monitor all records, all while maintaining an active line of communication with the team.

What does an environmental scientist do?

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.

Meteorologist vs environmental scientist salary

Meteorologists and environmental scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.

MeteorologistEnvironmental Scientist
Average salary$68,815$60,208
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $114,000Between $43,000 And $84,000
Highest paying CityChicago, ILNovato, CA
Highest paying stateIllinoisCalifornia
Best paying companyUnivision CommunicationsChevron
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between meteorologist and environmental scientist education

There are a few differences between a meteorologist and an environmental scientist in terms of educational background:

MeteorologistEnvironmental Scientist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorMeteorologyEnvironmental Science
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyUniversity of Pennsylvania

Meteorologist vs environmental scientist demographics

Here are the differences between meteorologists' and environmental scientists' demographics:

MeteorologistEnvironmental Scientist
Average age4039
Gender ratioMale, 76.3% Female, 23.7%Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 7.9% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian, 7.3% White, 73.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%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 Percentage12%16%

Differences between meteorologist and environmental scientist duties and responsibilities

Meteorologist example responsibilities.

  • Interpret highly complex satellite imagery and Doppler radar images.
  • Produce & deliver on-camera, weather reports.
  • Prepare and deliver current and extend weather forecasts, utilizing the latest WSI TruVuMax computer system.
  • Develop custom reports for severe weather outbreaks, tropical cyclone impacts, and river flooding potential.
  • Determine weather predictions using Doppler radar and satellite systems.
  • Provide weather information to producers, newsdesk, and television staff.
  • Show more

Environmental scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage matters relate to CERCLA, RCRA, CWA, OPA, ESA and land use issues.
  • Lead a team of brain cancer immunotherapy with CTLA-4 or PD-L1 antibody conjugate drug.
  • Manage hazardous waste, biohazardous waste, radioactive waste, industrial hygiene, respirator protection, and MSDS database.
  • Lead numerous consultation meetings with USACE, BOEM, USCG, NMFS, USFWS and other state and federal agencies.
  • Develop and manage company EHS compliance processes in accordance with current and upcoming regulatory mandates.
  • Review all operation plans (SWPPP, SPCC, HAZMAT etc . )
  • Show more

Meteorologist vs environmental scientist skills

Common meteorologist skills
  • Doppler, 14%
  • Remote Sensing, 11%
  • Satellite Imagery, 10%
  • FAA, 9%
  • Radar Data, 5%
  • Atmospheric Administration, 5%
Common environmental scientist skills
  • Environmental Compliance, 5%
  • Data Collection, 5%
  • GIS, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Technical Reports, 5%
  • Oversight, 5%

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