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Project scientist vs environmental scientist

The differences between project scientists and environmental scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a project scientist, becoming an environmental scientist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a project scientist has an average salary of $79,073, which is higher than the $60,208 average annual salary of an environmental scientist.

The top three skills for a project scientist include data analysis, research projects and oversight. The most important skills for an environmental scientist are environmental compliance, data collection, and GIS.

Project scientist vs environmental scientist overview

Project ScientistEnvironmental Scientist
Yearly salary$79,073$60,208
Hourly rate$38.02$28.95
Growth rate17%5%
Number of jobs53,04556,425
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4139
Years of experience46

What does a project scientist do?

A Project Scientist is responsible for conducting tests and evaluations of existing products and reporting the findings. The industries they may work in include textiles technology, polymer technology, chemical sciences, and chemical engineering.

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.

Project scientist vs environmental scientist salary

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

Project ScientistEnvironmental Scientist
Average salary$79,073$60,208
Salary rangeBetween $56,000 And $110,000Between $43,000 And $84,000
Highest paying CityFarmington, CTNovato, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutCalifornia
Best paying companyAmazonChevron
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between project scientist and environmental scientist education

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

Project ScientistEnvironmental Scientist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorEnvironmental ScienceEnvironmental Science
Most common collegeDuke UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Project scientist vs environmental scientist demographics

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

Project ScientistEnvironmental Scientist
Average age4139
Gender ratioMale, 68.0% Female, 32.0%Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 26.2% White, 53.3% 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 Percentage8%16%

Differences between project scientist and environmental scientist duties and responsibilities

Project scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage clearance sampling and responsible for final clearance readings and other duties as directed by EPA.
  • Manage the GIS data set and develop maps to support interim actions, the risk assessment, and the RI/FS.
  • Develop and manage company asbestos inspection program.
  • Develop and manage company EHS compliance processes in accordance with current and upcoming regulatory mandates.
  • Develop QC HPLC procedure for raw materials and finish products.
  • Perform RNA extraction, RT-PCR and qPCR to evaluate gene regulation on Bcl3 mutants.
  • 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

Project scientist vs environmental scientist skills

Common project scientist skills
  • Data Analysis, 10%
  • Research Projects, 9%
  • Oversight, 7%
  • Data Management, 6%
  • Technical Reports, 4%
  • EPA, 4%
Common environmental scientist skills
  • Environmental Compliance, 5%
  • Data Collection, 5%
  • GIS, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Technical Reports, 5%
  • Oversight, 5%

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