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The differences between biology laboratory assistants and science technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a biology laboratory assistant and a science technician. Additionally, a science technician has an average salary of $35,570, which is higher than the $34,240 average annual salary of a biology laboratory assistant.
The top three skills for a biology laboratory assistant include lab equipment, biology laboratory and chemistry. The most important skills for a science technician are lab equipment, safety regulations, and research projects.
| Biology Laboratory Assistant | Science Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $34,240 | $35,570 |
| Hourly rate | $16.46 | $17.10 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 48,958 | 16,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A biology laboratory assistant is in charge of assisting scientists or researchers and performing laboratory support tasks on a daily basis. Their responsibilities include setting up and sanitizing equipment, preparing samples, maintaining documentation of all experiments and procedures, writing laboratory reports, and running errands as needed. There are also instances where they must update databases, answer calls and correspondence, and grade student papers. Furthermore, a biology laboratory assistant must maintain the cleanliness of laboratories, all while implementing its policies and regulations.
A science technician is responsible for supporting research studies and product development processes by utilizing a scientific method approach and theories. Science technicians assist in conducting laboratory investigations, ensuring the adequacy of laboratory inventory, and inspecting the efficiency and performance of laboratory tools and equipment to prevent examination delays and potential hazards. They also write findings reports, record results, and develop accurate analysis. A science technician runs quality control procedures, interpret data, and ensuring that the investigations adhere to internal regulations and state requirements.
Biology laboratory assistants and science technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biology Laboratory Assistant | Science Technician | |
| Average salary | $34,240 | $35,570 |
| Salary range | Between $22,000 And $52,000 | Between $26,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bridgewater, MA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Massachusetts General Hospital | Wayfair |
| Best paying industry | Government | Government |
There are a few differences between a biology laboratory assistant and a science technician in terms of educational background:
| Biology Laboratory Assistant | Science Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between biology laboratory assistants' and science technicians' demographics:
| Biology Laboratory Assistant | Science Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 36.7% Female, 63.3% | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 14.9% White, 50.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5% | Black or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.3% Asian, 12.8% White, 52.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |