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The differences between natural resource technicians 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 natural resource technician, becoming an environmental scientist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an environmental scientist has an average salary of $60,208, which is higher than the $33,588 average annual salary of a natural resource technician.
The top three skills for a natural resource technician include GPS, natural resources and hand tools. The most important skills for an environmental scientist are environmental compliance, data collection, and GIS.
| Natural Resource Technician | Environmental Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $33,588 | $60,208 |
| Hourly rate | $16.15 | $28.95 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 19,143 | 56,425 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Average age | 38 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 6 |
A natural resource technician assists other environmental specialists in collecting and compiling environmental data and in using that information to assess how natural resources are impacted by bioenergy. A natural resource technician is typically supervised by a senior natural resource specialist. This position requires a bachelor's degree in environmental science. The responsibilities of this position include analyzing environmental problems, developing plans that guide policy makers, and providing data on possible outcomes of bioenergy deployment.
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.
Natural resource technicians and environmental scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Natural Resource Technician | Environmental Scientist | |
| Average salary | $33,588 | $60,208 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $42,000 | Between $43,000 And $84,000 |
| Highest paying City | Anchorage, AK | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Student Conservation Association | Chevron |
| Best paying industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between a natural resource technician and an environmental scientist in terms of educational background:
| Natural Resource Technician | Environmental Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | Environmental Science | Environmental Science |
| Most common college | University of California, Berkeley | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between natural resource technicians' and environmental scientists' demographics:
| Natural Resource Technician | Environmental Scientist | |
| Average age | 38 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.7% Female, 39.3% | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.9% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% | 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 | 8% | 16% |