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The differences between bioinformatics scientists and research laboratory technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a bioinformatics scientist and a research laboratory technician. Additionally, a bioinformatics scientist has an average salary of $91,530, which is higher than the $38,308 average annual salary of a research laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a bioinformatics scientist include python, next-generation sequencing and data analysis. The most important skills for a research laboratory technician are patients, chemistry, and laboratory equipment.
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Research Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $91,530 | $38,308 |
| Hourly rate | $44.00 | $18.42 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 57,026 | 86,476 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A bioinformatics scientist specializes in studying biology while utilizing their expertise in computer science. Their responsibilities revolve around developing databases and software for biological advances, improving existing applications as needed, coordinating with different scientists and professionals, and maintaining extensive records of all research and transactions. It is essential to review all data, identify issues, troubleshoot, and perform corrective measures as needed. In a company setting, a bioinformatics scientist must create progress reports and presentations, all while adhering to the company's vision, mission, and goals.
Research laboratory technicians play a vital role in scientific laboratories. They perform varied duties and responsibilities, which include setting up, operating, and maintaining the laboratory equipment, assisting in laboratory-based research activities such as sampling, testing, and analyzing results, and providing technical support to the laboratory team members. In addition, they are expected to support the development and advancement of science and modern medicine. Other typical duties of research laboratory technicians include preparing samples and specimens, keeping abreast with current technical developments, and ensuring strict compliance with safety procedures.
Bioinformatics scientists and research laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Research Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $91,530 | $38,308 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $129,000 | Between $30,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Chicago, IL |
| Highest paying state | California | Illinois |
| Best paying company | NVIDIA | Accenture |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a bioinformatics scientist and a research laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Research Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Biostatistics | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between bioinformatics scientists' and research laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Research Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.9% Female, 18.1% | Male, 49.0% Female, 51.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 38.6% White, 42.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.5% Asian, 15.7% White, 49.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |