The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that Environmental Scientists have an average annual salary of $81,240, whereas Environmental Engineers earn an average of $100,220 annually. This indicates that Environmental Engineers earn more than Environmental Scientists.
However, wages can vary depending on factors like location, experience, and the specific setting in which the employee works. For example, Environmental Scientists who work in Washington DC (with salary averaging $123,900) may earn more than those who work in Mississippi ($53,330). And Environmental Engineers in Texas earn 63% more on average compared to those in Kentucky.
Environmental Scientists vs Environmental Engineers overview
Environmental Scientists and Environmental Engineers are crucial to the Federal, State, and Local Government industry. People are often interested in learning about the distinctions between these job titles, including the average earnings for each of them.
Environmental Scientist job description
Alternative names: Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Environmental Scientists conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Environmental Scientist education and experience
The majority of Environmental Scientists (70%) hold a Bachelor's Degree. However this occupation also includes some employees who have a Master's Degree (26%). Regarding experience, 19% of Environmental Scientist jobs require a 4 to 6 years of experience in the field. A smaller part of jobs (15%) require no previous experience.
Environmental Scientist average salary
As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States employed 76,890 Environmental Scientists in 2021, and the mean income they earned annually was $81,240. The bottom 10 percent had earnings of $46,200 or less, and the top 10 percent had earnings of $129,070 or more. The average salary has grown by 1.4% compared the previous year.
Do Environmental Scientists make good money?
Environmental Scientists are usually paid well, as their average salary is 39% higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they earn 20% more than the average pay of the Federal, State, and Local Government industry ($67,800).
Environmental Scientists are usually paid well, as their average salary is 39% higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).
Environmental Scientists job growth
In 2021, there have been 7,720 less Environmental Scientist roles than the previous year nationwide, which marks a decrease of 9.1%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged -1.3%.
Environmental Engineer job description
Environmental Engineers research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.
Environmental Engineer education and experience
Most Environmental Engineers (64%) have completed a Bachelor's Degree. But additionally, among employees with this job title, there are also some with a Master's Degree (27%) and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (9%). Regarding experience, 23% of Environmental Engineer occupations require a 6 months to 1 year of previous experience working in the field. A smaller number of roles (23%) require a previous experience of 4 to 6 years.
Environmental Engineer average salary
Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 42,660 Environmental Engineers were employed by the United States in 2021, and their average annual wage was $100,220. The lowest earning 10 percent made $59,820 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $153,200 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has increased by 3.4%.
Do Environmental Engineers make good money?
Environmental Engineers generally earn good salaries, since their mean salary is 72% above the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they make 10% more than the mean earnings of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry ($91,150).
Environmental Engineers generally earn good salaries, since their mean salary is 72% above the average salary in the United States ($58,260).
Environmental Engineers job growth
The hiring of Environmental Engineers has decreased in the last two years. In 2021, there have been 7,600 less roles than the previous year across the nation, and that marks a decrease of 15.1%. Job growth has averaged -6.8% over the past 3 years.
FAQ
Do Environmental Scientists or Environmental Engineers make more?
Environmental Engineers make about a quarter more than Environmental Scientists. The average annual salary for Environmental Scientists is $81,240, while Environmental Engineers earn $100,220 per year.
How long does it take to become an Environmental Scientist vs Environmental Engineer?
Both Environmental Scientist and Environmental Engineer occupations typically require a Bachelor's Degree. It most often takes around 4 years to obtain a Bachelor's Degree.
Is it harder to become an Environmental Scientist vs Environmental Engineer?
It is not harder to become an Environmental Scientist versus an Environmental Engineer, as they both require the same level of education.