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The differences between chemical laboratory technicians and research technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a chemical laboratory technician, becoming a research technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a research technician has an average salary of $43,034, 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 technician are patients, data collection, and cell culture.
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Research Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $41,087 | $43,034 |
| Hourly rate | $19.75 | $20.69 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 47,036 | 64,786 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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 technician is responsible for assisting in research studies and laboratory experiments. Research technicians operate laboratory tools and equipment, process data for experiments, collect samples for study, analyze existing research materials, analyze experiment results, manage inventories and stock supplies, record observations, and create reports for further examination. A research technician must have strong analytical and scientific knowledge, as well as a passion for research writing and investigations crucial for this kind of industry.
Chemical laboratory technicians and research technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Research Technician | |
| Average salary | $41,087 | $43,034 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $51,000 | Between $31,000 And $59,000 |
| Highest paying City | Albuquerque, NM | Pasadena, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Basin Electric Power Cooperative | GCP Applied Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a chemical laboratory technician and a research technician in terms of educational background:
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Research Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between chemical laboratory technicians' and research technicians' demographics:
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Research Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.8% Female, 39.2% | Male, 49.3% Female, 50.7% |
| 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, 12.0% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 16.5% White, 49.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 6% |