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The differences between biological technicians and 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 research assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a biological technician has an average salary of $43,572, which is higher than the $42,896 average annual salary of a research assistant.
The top three skills for a biological technician include GPS, lab equipment and data collection. The most important skills for a research assistant are patients, lab equipment, and data collection.
| Biological Technician | Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $43,572 | $42,896 |
| Hourly rate | $20.95 | $20.62 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 9,182 | 51,080 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| 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.
Research assistants give support to researchers or other professionals who need assistance as they conduct experiments, studies, or other research projects. Research assistants help in conducting experiments, surveys, or interviews under the supervision of the primary researcher. They also work on research activities such as literature reviews, collect data, assist in interpreting results, prepare designs or visuals for the presentation of the results, and even ensure that all the tools and documentation related to the study are properly organized. They also assist in fact-checking the output and ensure that the data presented are accurate. Research assistants usually possess an academic background that is related to the main research topic.
Biological technicians and research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biological Technician | Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $43,572 | $42,896 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $61,000 | Between $28,000 And $64,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | New Brunswick, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | JPMorgan Chase & Co. |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a biological technician and a research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Biological Technician | Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Biology | Psychology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between biological technicians' and research assistants' demographics:
| Biological Technician | Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 53.2% Female, 46.8% | Male, 46.3% Female, 53.7% |
| 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, 8.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 16.9% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |