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The differences between biological scientists and research 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 $43,034 average annual salary of a research technician.
The top three skills for a biological scientist include data analysis, cell culture and RNA. The most important skills for a research technician are patients, data collection, and cell culture.
| Biological Scientist | Research Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $67,631 | $43,034 |
| Hourly rate | $32.51 | $20.69 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 51,327 | 64,786 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
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.
A research technician is responsible for assisting in research studies and laboratory experiments. Research technicians operate laboratory tools and equipment, process data for experiments, collect samples for study, analyze existing research materials, analyze experiment results, manage inventories and stock supplies, record observations, and create reports for further examination. A research technician must have strong analytical and scientific knowledge, as well as a passion for research writing and investigations crucial for this kind of industry.
Biological scientists and research technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biological Scientist | Research Technician | |
| Average salary | $67,631 | $43,034 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $107,000 | Between $31,000 And $59,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Pasadena, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Schrödinger | GCP Applied Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a biological scientist and a research technician in terms of educational background:
| Biological Scientist | Research Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between biological scientists' and research technicians' demographics:
| Biological Scientist | Research Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.1% Female, 53.9% | Male, 49.3% Female, 50.7% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 12.0% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 16.5% White, 49.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 6% |