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The differences between biological technicians and student 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 student research assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a biological technician has an average salary of $43,572, which is higher than the $27,475 average annual salary of a student research assistant.
The top three skills for a biological technician include GPS, lab equipment and data collection. The most important skills for a student research assistant are lab equipment, student research, and data collection.
| Biological Technician | Student Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $43,572 | $27,475 |
| Hourly rate | $20.95 | $13.21 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 9,182 | 59,758 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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 student research assistant is responsible for supporting the school's research department on conducting various research tasks using the techniques and resources provided by the supervising faculty. Student research assistants collect and verify research data, interpret and document findings using research methodologies, organize and prepare research materials, write research reports, and provide recommendations to improve research strategies and techniques. A student research assistant must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to multitask and be a fast-learner to interpret data within a specific time.
Biological technicians and student research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biological Technician | Student Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $43,572 | $27,475 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $61,000 | Between $19,000 And $37,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | Fairbanks, AK |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Education |
There are a few differences between a biological technician and a student research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Biological Technician | Student Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between biological technicians' and student research assistants' demographics:
| Biological Technician | Student Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 53.2% Female, 46.8% | Male, 44.1% Female, 55.9% |
| 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, 8.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |