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The differences between chemistry laboratory technicians and chemical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a chemistry laboratory technician and a chemical technician. Additionally, a chemical technician has an average salary of $42,584, which is higher than the $40,072 average annual salary of a chemistry laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a chemistry laboratory technician include lab equipment, test results and laboratory tests. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Chemistry Laboratory Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $40,072 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $19.27 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 43,043 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A chemical laboratory technician is an individual who works in a designated laboratory to conduct analytical or lab-based tests on a variety of chemicals, materials, or products. Chemical laboratory technicians receive and test samples for quality assurance, safety inspection, or environmental impact. Under the supervision of chemists and other team members, they perform lab activities such as setting up lab equipment and preparing chemical solutions. Chemistry laboratory technicians can work in different industries such as pharmaceutical, mining, food, and environmental organizations.
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.
Chemistry laboratory technicians and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chemistry Laboratory Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $40,072 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $49,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Denver, CO | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Zoetis | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a chemistry laboratory technician and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Chemistry Laboratory Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between chemistry laboratory technicians' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Chemistry Laboratory Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.7% Female, 52.3% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 9.2% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 9% | 9% |