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The differences between wildlife biologists and environmental scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a wildlife biologist, 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 $51,084 average annual salary of a wildlife biologist.
The top three skills for a wildlife biologist include USDA, wildlife species and GIS. The most important skills for an environmental scientist are environmental compliance, data collection, and GIS.
| Wildlife Biologist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $51,084 | $60,208 |
| Hourly rate | $24.56 | $28.95 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 5,376 | 56,425 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Average age | 40 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A wildlife biologist specializes in studying and observing animals and plants in their habitats, mainly for research and scientific purposes. Their responsibilities typically revolve around gathering samples and data, performing analysis through various laboratory and scientific processes, conducting experiments, and creating reports and presentations. A wildlife biologist may use their findings to develop programs and strategies, release research papers, contribute to publications, and promote public awareness. Furthermore, a wildlife biologist may coordinate with other scientists, reviewing findings for accurate reports.
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.
Wildlife biologists and environmental scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Wildlife Biologist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Average salary | $51,084 | $60,208 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $75,000 | Between $43,000 And $84,000 |
| Highest paying City | Anchorage, AK | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Idaho National Lab | Chevron |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a wildlife biologist and an environmental scientist in terms of educational background:
| Wildlife Biologist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | Biology | Environmental Science |
| Most common college | University of California - Davis | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between wildlife biologists' and environmental scientists' demographics:
| Wildlife Biologist | Environmental Scientist | |
| Average age | 40 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.8% Female, 37.2% | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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 | 10% | 16% |