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Biological science technician vs pilot plant technician

The differences between biological science technicians and pilot plant 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 biological science technician and a pilot plant technician. Additionally, a pilot plant technician has an average salary of $55,161, which is higher than the $35,390 average annual salary of a biological science technician.

The top three skills for a biological science technician include laboratory equipment, data collection and rehabilitation. The most important skills for a pilot plant technician are pilot plant equipment, safety procedures, and GMP.

Biological science technician vs pilot plant technician overview

Biological Science TechnicianPilot Plant Technician
Yearly salary$35,390$55,161
Hourly rate$17.01$26.52
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs13,80123,485
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

What does a biological science technician do?

A biological science technician is responsible for supporting scientists in conducting laboratory experiments and examinations. Biological science technicians perform data analysis procedures, evaluate findings, and create data reports. They also ensure the cleanliness of the laboratory, including the laboratory tools and equipment, to prevent contamination that may affect the accuracy of test results. A biological science technician must have excellent scientific knowledge, especially on the application of scientific methods, assessing research studies, and other related scientific principles.

What does a pilot plant technician do?

Pilot plant technicians need relevant pilot plant experience or experience in a food manufacturing environment, as well as knowledge of operation and maintenance of pilot plant equipment. Paid salaries of $48K per year, those in this career are expected to operate experimental pilot plants, assist with experimental design, and develop new processes in chemical engineering and production.

Biological science technician vs pilot plant technician salary

Biological science technicians and pilot plant technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Biological Science TechnicianPilot Plant Technician
Average salary$35,390$55,161
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $47,000Between $43,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CityWatertown Town, MABridgeport, CT
Highest paying stateMassachusettsConnecticut
Best paying companySenesTechKoppers
Best paying industry-Pharmaceutical

Differences between biological science technician and pilot plant technician education

There are a few differences between a biological science technician and a pilot plant technician in terms of educational background:

Biological Science TechnicianPilot Plant Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorBiologyChemistry
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Biological science technician vs pilot plant technician demographics

Here are the differences between biological science technicians' and pilot plant technicians' demographics:

Biological Science TechnicianPilot Plant Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 51.0% Female, 49.0%Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 12.7% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4%Black or African American, 13.0% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 12.7% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between biological science technician and pilot plant technician duties and responsibilities

Biological science technician example responsibilities.

  • Create PowerPoint and other support media for presentation of research to PhD research leads.
  • Assist in developing a genetic algorithm for generating sound recognition templates for insect calls (still ongoing).
  • Develop an image viewer design to let researchers train programs so that they can see and label insect calls
  • General laboratory work - collecting tissue sample, organization/preparation, plant seeds, greenhouse work, maintenance of plants, etc
  • Train on FDA regulations for biological materials and regulating inventory.
  • Prepare bacteria suspension for greenhouse cotton bolls and inject bacterial suspension bolls.
  • Show more

Pilot plant technician example responsibilities.

  • Assist in managing technical and regulatory site visits to the laboratory and interface with QA and RA on all vendor/regulatory audits.
  • Complete daily paperwork following FDA and HACCP guidelines
  • Assist engineers in testing and adjusting production requirements as needed to meet FDA specifications.
  • Perform high voltage cable installation, testing/replacing GFCI breakers, test/repair emergency lighting, test motors and troubleshoot HVAC units.
  • Perform QC manufacturing final inspection.
  • Operate and troubleshoot experimental projects with little supervision.
  • Show more

Biological science technician vs pilot plant technician skills

Common biological science technician skills
  • Laboratory Equipment, 10%
  • Data Collection, 7%
  • Rehabilitation, 7%
  • Scientific Data, 5%
  • USDA, 5%
  • Water Quality, 4%
Common pilot plant technician skills
  • Pilot Plant Equipment, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • GMP, 8%
  • R, 6%
  • Lab Equipment, 6%
  • Troubleshoot, 5%

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