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Meteorologist vs environmental technician

The differences between meteorologists and environmental technicians 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 $39,690 average annual salary of an environmental technician.

The top three skills for a meteorologist include doppler, remote sensing and satellite imagery. The most important skills for an environmental technician are patients, OSHA, and hazardous materials.

Meteorologist vs environmental technician overview

MeteorologistEnvironmental Technician
Yearly salary$68,815$39,690
Hourly rate$33.08$19.08
Growth rate4%9%
Number of jobs6,21443,079
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4038
Years of experience-2

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 technician do?

An environmental technician is responsible for identifying, evaluating, preventing, and controlling contamination of the environment. They study how it affects human health with the supervision of environmental engineers and environmental scientists. Environmental technicians work by monitoring the environment and look for possible sources of pollution and contamination that can possibly affect public health. They make sure that environmental violations are prevented. In addition, an environmental technician also investigates any complaint that is related to water quality, air quality, and food safety.

Meteorologist vs environmental technician salary

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

MeteorologistEnvironmental Technician
Average salary$68,815$39,690
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $114,000Between $30,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CityChicago, ILDanbury, CT
Highest paying stateIllinoisConnecticut
Best paying companyUnivision CommunicationsCity of Detroit
Best paying industry-Energy

Differences between meteorologist and environmental technician education

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

MeteorologistEnvironmental Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorMeteorologyEnvironmental Science
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyDuke University

Meteorologist vs environmental technician demographics

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

MeteorologistEnvironmental Technician
Average age4038
Gender ratioMale, 76.3% Female, 23.7%Male, 73.3% Female, 26.7%
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, 9.7% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage12%8%

Differences between meteorologist and environmental technician 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 technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead a crew of twelve techs in various archaeological excavations.
  • Manage designated areas to ensure proper cleanliness and safety.
  • Manage daily RCRA inspections and mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment preventive/corrective maintenance procedures.
  • Provide contractor oversight, including monitoring of technical performance of sub-contractors managing remedial cleanup projects involving hazardous waste.
  • Assist with environmental projects such as groundwater monitoring, and spatial analysis using ArcGIS.
  • Perform physical labor associate with cleanup activities, sample collection, waste removal and other remediation service.
  • Show more

Meteorologist vs environmental technician skills

Common meteorologist skills
  • Doppler, 14%
  • Remote Sensing, 11%
  • Satellite Imagery, 10%
  • FAA, 9%
  • Radar Data, 5%
  • Atmospheric Administration, 5%
Common environmental technician skills
  • Patients, 12%
  • OSHA, 7%
  • Hazardous Materials, 6%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Patient Rooms, 5%
  • HAZWOPER, 4%

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