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The differences between chemical laboratory technicians and research chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a research chemist has an average salary of $75,843, which is higher than the $41,087 average annual salary of a chemical laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a chemical laboratory technician include lab equipment, routine maintenance and chemical analysis. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Research Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $41,087 | $75,843 |
| Hourly rate | $19.75 | $36.46 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 47,036 | 53,769 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
A chemical laboratory technician is in charge of performing support tasks for chemists in a laboratory or similar setting. Their duties and responsibilities typically revolve around handling and managing chemicals and laboratory apparatuses, gathering and preparing samples, performing analysis, operating machines and devices, and maintaining records of all procedures and results. They may also procure supplies, organize chemicals, and ensure proper waste disposal. Furthermore, as a chemical laboratory technician, it is essential to maintain the cleanliness and order in laboratories, all while implementing its policies and regulations.
A research chemist specializes in conducting studies and experiments to develop new products. Their duties primarily focus on conducting research and assessments, gathering and analyzing chemical samples, developing ideas, conducting tests to study chemical reactions, maintaining records of all procedures, and utilizing previous studies. Their research findings can be used to create new medicines, enhance existing products, and lead to innovations. When it comes to employment, a research chemist may work for pharmaceutical companies, private laboratories, government agencies, and learning institutions.
Chemical laboratory technicians and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Research Chemist | |
| Average salary | $41,087 | $75,843 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $51,000 | Between $53,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | Albuquerque, NM | McLean, VA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Basin Electric Power Cooperative | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a chemical laboratory technician and a research chemist in terms of educational background:
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Research Chemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between chemical laboratory technicians' and research chemists' demographics:
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Research Chemist | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.8% Female, 39.2% | Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 8.4% White, 62.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 22.2% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 5% |