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The differences between certifying scientists and chemical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a certifying scientist, becoming a chemical technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a certifying scientist has an average salary of $92,486, which is higher than the $42,584 average annual salary of a chemical technician.
The top three skills for a certifying scientist include ms, test results and LC. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Certifying Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $92,486 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $44.46 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 45,588 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A certifying scientist works at laboratories where they conduct regular evaluations to ensure that operations adhere to standards and regulations. Although their duties may vary upon their company or institution of employment, it usually includes conducting data reviews and assessments, facilitating quality control procedures, and developing strategies to optimize operations. They can also take part in processing samples through various laboratory procedures, conducting experiments, maintaining records, and interpreting analysis results. When it comes to employment, a certifying scientist may work at government agencies, private laboratories, or even become an instructor at universities or colleges.
A chemical technician is responsible for supporting chemists and laboratory technicians in performing laboratory investigations and examining chemical components and structures. Chemical technicians ensure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment, performing proper sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, and maintaining the adequacy of inventory. They also record the research progress, including scientific methods, and write observation reports for reference. A chemical technician manages the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility to avoid potential hazards and complications during chemical operations.
Certifying scientists and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Certifying Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $92,486 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $146,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Rosa, CA | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a certifying scientist and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Certifying Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between certifying scientists' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Certifying Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.9% Female, 62.1% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 25.3% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 6.9% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |