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The differences between biological technicians and professional 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 professional research assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a professional research assistant has an average salary of $58,202, which is higher than the $43,572 average annual salary of a biological technician.
The top three skills for a biological technician include GPS, lab equipment and data collection. The most important skills for a professional research assistant are research projects, data collection, and patients.
| Biological Technician | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $43,572 | $58,202 |
| Hourly rate | $20.95 | $27.98 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 9,182 | 91,813 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| 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 professional research assistant works under the supervision of primary researchers leading research projects. Research assistants help the main researchers in different tasks supporting research activities. These tasks vary based on research conducted and their field. The assistants prepare the interview questions and provide a results summary. They respond to emails, participate in project meetings, and prepare progress reports. Skills necessary for this job include communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, scheduling, and planning.
Biological technicians and professional research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biological Technician | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $43,572 | $58,202 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $61,000 | Between $38,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | Siemens |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a biological technician and a professional research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Biological Technician | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between biological technicians' and professional research assistants' demographics:
| Biological Technician | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 53.2% Female, 46.8% | Male, 36.1% Female, 63.9% |
| 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, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |