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Project scientist vs environmental technician

The differences between project scientists and environmental technicians 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 technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a project scientist has an average salary of $79,073, which is higher than the $39,690 average annual salary of an environmental technician.

The top three skills for a project scientist include data analysis, research projects and oversight. The most important skills for an environmental technician are patients, OSHA, and hazardous materials.

Project scientist vs environmental technician overview

Project ScientistEnvironmental Technician
Yearly salary$79,073$39,690
Hourly rate$38.02$19.08
Growth rate17%9%
Number of jobs53,04543,079
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4138
Years of experience42

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 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.

Project scientist vs environmental technician salary

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

Project ScientistEnvironmental Technician
Average salary$79,073$39,690
Salary rangeBetween $56,000 And $110,000Between $30,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CityFarmington, CTDanbury, CT
Highest paying stateConnecticutConnecticut
Best paying companyAmazonCity of Detroit
Best paying industryTechnologyEnergy

Differences between project scientist and environmental technician education

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

Project ScientistEnvironmental Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorEnvironmental ScienceEnvironmental Science
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Project scientist vs environmental technician demographics

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

Project ScientistEnvironmental Technician
Average age4138
Gender ratioMale, 68.0% Female, 32.0%Male, 73.3% Female, 26.7%
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, 9.7% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between project scientist and environmental technician 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 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

Project scientist vs environmental technician skills

Common project scientist skills
  • Data Analysis, 10%
  • Research Projects, 9%
  • Oversight, 7%
  • Data Management, 6%
  • Technical Reports, 4%
  • EPA, 4%
Common environmental technician skills
  • Patients, 12%
  • OSHA, 7%
  • Hazardous Materials, 6%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Patient Rooms, 5%
  • HAZWOPER, 4%

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