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The differences between senior geologists 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 senior geologist, becoming an environmental scientist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a senior geologist has an average salary of $109,166, which is higher than the $60,208 average annual salary of an environmental scientist.
The top three skills for a senior geologist include project management, data collection and GIS. The most important skills for an environmental scientist are environmental compliance, data collection, and GIS.
| Senior Geologist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $109,166 | $60,208 |
| Hourly rate | $52.48 | $28.95 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 811 | 56,425 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Average age | 45 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 6 |
A Senior Geologist manages all geological activities and research, and provides guidance to junior team members. They assist geological supervisors to prepare an annual and long-term plan for geological work.
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.
Senior geologists and environmental scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Geologist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Average salary | $109,166 | $60,208 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $186,000 | Between $43,000 And $84,000 |
| Highest paying City | Corpus Christi, TX | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | Texas | California |
| Best paying company | Statoil | Chevron |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Technology |
There are a few differences between a senior geologist and an environmental scientist in terms of educational background:
| Senior Geologist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | 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 senior geologists' and environmental scientists' demographics:
| Senior Geologist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Average age | 45 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.7% Female, 15.3% | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 0.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% Asian, 5.4% White, 82.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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 | 4% | 16% |