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Biological scientist vs biological science technician

The differences between biological scientists and biological science technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a biological scientist has an average salary of $67,631, which is higher than the $35,390 average annual salary of a biological science technician.

The top three skills for a biological scientist include data analysis, cell culture and RNA. The most important skills for a biological science technician are laboratory equipment, data collection, and rehabilitation.

Biological scientist vs biological science technician overview

Biological ScientistBiological Science Technician
Yearly salary$67,631$35,390
Hourly rate$32.51$17.01
Growth rate17%9%
Number of jobs51,32713,801
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Average age4040
Years of experience-4

What does a biological scientist do?

A biological scientist's duties will vary depending on one's industry of employment. Typically, they are responsible for studying and conducting research and analysis on living organisms, collaborating with fellow scientists, traveling to different areas, and keeping an accurate record of all observations, results, and processes. They must also prepare reports and presentations, reviewing them to ensure accuracy in every detail. Furthermore, a biological scientist may work in a laboratory setting or conduct lectures at an academic institution.

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.

Biological scientist vs biological science technician salary

Biological scientists and biological science technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Biological ScientistBiological Science Technician
Average salary$67,631$35,390
Salary rangeBetween $42,000 And $107,000Between $26,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAWatertown Town, MA
Highest paying stateHawaiiMassachusetts
Best paying companySchrödingerSenesTech
Best paying industryPharmaceutical-

Differences between biological scientist and biological science technician education

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

Biological ScientistBiological Science Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeCornell UniversityDuke University

Biological scientist vs biological science technician demographics

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

Biological ScientistBiological Science Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 46.1% Female, 53.9%Male, 51.0% Female, 49.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 15.3% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage10%6%

Differences between biological scientist and biological science technician duties and responsibilities

Biological scientist example responsibilities.

  • Lead protein biochemistry efforts for nuclear receptor group and develop bioassays and initiate new approaches.
  • Develop and manage third party claim investigations and contractor remedial oversight for various insurance companies.
  • Perform high molecular weight DNA extraction from bacterial cells using microbiology and molecular biology methods.
  • Provide technical/analytical inputs for the responses to FDA comments.
  • Give final presentation via PowerPoint to peers and advisors.
  • Characterize CMC drug substances for potency using in vitro effector function assay.
  • Show more

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

Biological scientist vs biological science technician skills

Common biological scientist skills
  • Data Analysis, 9%
  • Cell Culture, 7%
  • RNA, 5%
  • Cell-Based Assays, 5%
  • Technical Reports, 5%
  • Western Blotting, 4%
Common biological science technician skills
  • Laboratory Equipment, 10%
  • Data Collection, 7%
  • Rehabilitation, 7%
  • Scientific Data, 5%
  • USDA, 5%
  • Water Quality, 4%

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