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The differences between physical scientists and environmental scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a physical scientist has an average salary of $86,538, which is higher than the $60,208 average annual salary of an environmental scientist.
The top three skills for a physical scientist include chemistry, environmental compliance and DOD. The most important skills for an environmental scientist are environmental compliance, data collection, and GIS.
| Physical Scientist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $86,538 | $60,208 |
| Hourly rate | $41.60 | $28.95 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 96,588 | 56,425 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Average age | 40 | 39 |
| Years of experience | - | 6 |
A physical scientist is responsible for investigating scientific problems by conducting laboratory examinations by collecting information, analyzing existing research studies, and formulating theories. Physical scientists follow scientific methods and processes strictly depending on their expertise and may perform field investigations to support their claims as necessary. They also operate different laboratory tools and equipment, requiring them to inspect and sterilize each before and after use to avoid contamination that can affect the accuracy of laboratory results.
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.
Physical scientists and environmental scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Physical Scientist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Average salary | $86,538 | $60,208 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $138,000 | Between $43,000 And $84,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Chevron | |
| Best paying industry | Education | Technology |
There are a few differences between a physical scientist and an environmental scientist in terms of educational background:
| Physical Scientist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | Geology | Environmental Science |
| Most common college | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between physical scientists' and environmental scientists' demographics:
| Physical Scientist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Average age | 40 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.3% Female, 31.7% | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 27.9% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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% |