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The differences between analytical technicians and chemical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an analytical technician and a chemical technician. Additionally, an analytical technician has an average salary of $69,177, which is higher than the $42,584 average annual salary of a chemical technician.
The top three skills for an analytical technician include lab equipment, HPLC and SQL. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Analytical Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $69,177 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $33.26 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 48,581 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Analytical technicians are professionals who are responsible for managing the daily operation of activities in a laboratory as well as maintain lab equipment to ensure a high standard of sanitation. These technicians must assist in laboratory work, such as developing analytical test methods and performing analysis of raw materials and in-process samples. They are required to maintain relevant files and data records but should inform the laboratory manager when they are faced with technical problems. Analytical technicians should also determine the physical and chemical properties of compounds by using quantitative and qualitative analyses.
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 technicians and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Analytical Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $69,177 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $114,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hartford, CT | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Meta | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between an analytical technician and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Analytical Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between analytical technicians' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Analytical Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.4% Female, 43.6% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 8.4% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 9% | 9% |