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The differences between biological technicians and laboratory research assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a biological technician, becoming a laboratory research assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a biological technician has an average salary of $43,572, which is higher than the $36,537 average annual salary of a laboratory research assistant.
The top three skills for a biological technician include GPS, lab equipment and data collection. The most important skills for a laboratory research assistant are data collection, patients, and laboratory equipment.
| Biological Technician | Laboratory Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $43,572 | $36,537 |
| Hourly rate | $20.95 | $17.57 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 9,182 | 87,343 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A biological technician is in charge of performing laboratory support tasks, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around gathering and preparing samples, operating laboratory equipment, conducting analysis and experiments, recording every progress, and maintaining documentation. They may also coordinate with other technicians and scientists in various research and development efforts, summarizing findings into reports and presentations. Furthermore, as a laboratory technician, it is essential to maintain the cleanliness and order in the laboratory, all while adhering to its policies and regulations.
A laboratory research assistant is an individual who performs lab experiments and carries out projects designed by senior lab staff members. Laboratory research assistants design and conduct experiments using biohazards and other dangerous materials to gain information and test scientific processes. They must write detailed reports of their research and experiments and then deliver these reports in written and verbal forms. Laboratory research assistants may also work in different settings such as medical facilities and pharmaceutical companies.
Biological technicians and laboratory research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biological Technician | Laboratory Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $43,572 | $36,537 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $61,000 | Between $24,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | New York University |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Education |
There are a few differences between a biological technician and a laboratory research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Biological Technician | Laboratory Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between biological technicians' and laboratory research assistants' demographics:
| Biological Technician | Laboratory Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 53.2% Female, 46.8% | Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 12.6% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3% | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 16.6% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |