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The differences between biological technicians and laboratory researchers 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 technician and a laboratory researcher. Additionally, a biological technician has an average salary of $43,572, which is higher than the $27,760 average annual salary of a laboratory researcher.
The top three skills for a biological technician include GPS, lab equipment and data collection. The most important skills for a laboratory researcher are lab procedures, cell culture, and molecular biology.
| Biological Technician | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Yearly salary | $43,572 | $27,760 |
| Hourly rate | $20.95 | $13.35 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 9,182 | 57,359 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
Laboratory researchers are professionals who manage a research laboratory while performing cellular and biochemical experiments with the primary researcher. These researchers must work with hazardous chemicals and should show expertise in handling lab equipment such as glassware and field equipment. They are required to assist with research projects and interpret the test data of an experiment. They must manage the order of all lab equipment by filling up the purchase requisition forms. Laboratory researchers are required to work with students in all aspects of laboratory research.
Biological technicians and laboratory researchers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biological Technician | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Average salary | $43,572 | $27,760 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $61,000 | Between $17,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | New Brunswick, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Maine |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | Los Alamos National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Education |
There are a few differences between a biological technician and a laboratory researcher in terms of educational background:
| Biological Technician | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between biological technicians' and laboratory researchers' demographics:
| Biological Technician | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 53.2% Female, 46.8% | Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3% |
| 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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |