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The differences between biologists and biological science technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a biologist, becoming a biological science technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a biologist has an average salary of $65,158, which is higher than the $35,390 average annual salary of a biological science technician.
The top three skills for a biologist include data collection, GPS and renewable energy. The most important skills for a biological science technician are laboratory equipment, data collection, and rehabilitation.
| Biologist | Biological Science Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $65,158 | $35,390 |
| Hourly rate | $31.33 | $17.01 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 5,741 | 13,801 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
A biologist is a specialized scientist focusing on studying living organisms and their relationship to the existing ecosystem. Biologists spend lots of time doing research and validating theories to support the complexity of the living matter. In some cases, biologists could also be out in the field rather than staying in a laboratory to collect biological specimens to justify their findings and create reports from their scientific investigations. Biologists also often communicate with government entities and private industries to provide recommendations on preserving the ecosystem and wildlife habitat.
A biological science technician is responsible for supporting scientists in conducting laboratory experiments and examinations. Biological science technicians perform data analysis procedures, evaluate findings, and create data reports. They also ensure the cleanliness of the laboratory, including the laboratory tools and equipment, to prevent contamination that may affect the accuracy of test results. A biological science technician must have excellent scientific knowledge, especially on the application of scientific methods, assessing research studies, and other related scientific principles.
Biologists and biological science technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biologist | Biological Science Technician | |
| Average salary | $65,158 | $35,390 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $91,000 | Between $26,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Watertown Town, MA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | SenesTech | |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | - |
There are a few differences between a biologist and a biological science technician in terms of educational background:
| Biologist | Biological Science Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of California, Berkeley | Duke University |
Here are the differences between biologists' and biological science technicians' demographics:
| Biologist | Biological Science Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.4% Female, 48.6% | Male, 51.0% Female, 49.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 10.4% White, 71.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 12.7% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 6% |