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The differences between chemical laboratory technicians and senior laboratory 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 senior laboratory technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a senior laboratory technician has an average salary of $48,530, 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 senior laboratory technician are lab equipment, patients, and research projects.
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Senior Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $41,087 | $48,530 |
| Hourly rate | $19.75 | $23.33 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 47,036 | 63,876 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
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 Senior Laboratory Technician is responsible for supervising and coordinating scientific investigations and experiments. They supervise staff, provide technical support, and construct, maintain, and operate standard laboratory equipment.
Chemical laboratory technicians and senior laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Senior Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $41,087 | $48,530 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $51,000 | Between $34,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Albuquerque, NM | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Basin Electric Power Cooperative | Genentech |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a chemical laboratory technician and a senior laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Senior Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | New York University |
Here are the differences between chemical laboratory technicians' and senior laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Senior Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.8% Female, 39.2% | Male, 58.6% Female, 41.4% |
| 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, 10.5% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |