Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between analytical chemists and chemical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an analytical chemist has an average salary of $61,573, which is higher than the $42,584 average annual salary of a chemical technician.
The top three skills for an analytical chemist include method development, HPLC and laboratory equipment. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Analytical Chemist | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $61,573 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $29.60 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 14,661 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
An Analytical Chemist uses a wide range of methods to investigate the chemical nature of substances. They analyze samples using different software, techniques, and equipment, and then interpret and report the results.
A chemical technician is responsible for supporting chemists and laboratory technicians in performing laboratory investigations and examining chemical components and structures. Chemical technicians ensure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment, performing proper sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, and maintaining the adequacy of inventory. They also record the research progress, including scientific methods, and write observation reports for reference. A chemical technician manages the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility to avoid potential hazards and complications during chemical operations.
Analytical chemists and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Analytical Chemist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $61,573 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $44,000 And $84,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milford, MA | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Micron Technology | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between an analytical chemist and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Analytical Chemist | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between analytical chemists' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Analytical Chemist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.6% Female, 40.4% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 19.2% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 6.9% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 9% |