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The differences between wildlife technicians 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 wildlife technician, 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 $33,462 average annual salary of a wildlife technician.
The top three skills for a wildlife technician include GPS, hand tools and harvest. The most important skills for an environmental scientist are environmental compliance, data collection, and GIS.
| Wildlife Technician | Environmental Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $33,462 | $60,208 |
| Hourly rate | $16.09 | $28.95 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 9,809 | 56,425 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Average age | 40 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A wildlife technician is responsible for supporting wildlife biologists and management personnel on conducting research projects for habitat preservation and environmental welfare. Wildlife technicians create data reports, assist in laboratory examinations, collect biological samples, and maintaining the safety and security of the premises by observing surveillance equipment and adhering to safety policies and protocols. They also operate and inspect the efficiency of tools and equipment, provide routine maintenance, and request immediate repairs as necessary. A wildlife technician helps in planning wildlife programs and managing information dissemination to the public.
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 technicians and environmental scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Wildlife Technician | Environmental Scientist | |
| Average salary | $33,462 | $60,208 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $44,000 | Between $43,000 And $84,000 |
| Highest paying City | Springfield, MA | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | California |
| Best paying company | Boulder County | Chevron |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a wildlife technician and an environmental scientist in terms of educational background:
| Wildlife Technician | Environmental Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | Biology | Environmental Science |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between wildlife technicians' and environmental scientists' demographics:
| Wildlife Technician | Environmental Scientist | |
| Average age | 40 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.5% Female, 33.5% | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 10.1% White, 56.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% | 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 | 6% | 16% |