Chemistry laboratory technician vs research chemist

The differences between chemistry 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 $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 research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.

Chemistry laboratory technician vs research chemist overview

	Chemistry Laboratory Technician	Research Chemist
Yearly salary	$40,072	$75,843
Hourly rate	$19.27	$36.46
Growth rate	4%	6%
Number of jobs	43,043	53,769
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 74%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age	44	42
Years of experience	2	-

What does a chemistry laboratory technician do?

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.

What does a research chemist do?

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.

Chemistry laboratory technician vs research chemist salary

Chemistry laboratory technicians and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Chemistry Laboratory Technician	Research Chemist
Average salary	$40,072	$75,843
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $49,000	Between $53,000 And $108,000
Highest paying City	Denver, CO	McLean, VA
Highest paying state	Maryland	Virginia
Best paying company	Zoetis	BP America Inc
Best paying industry	Energy	Energy

Differences between chemistry laboratory technician and research chemist education

There are a few differences between a chemistry laboratory technician and a research chemist in terms of educational background:

	Chemistry Laboratory Technician	Research Chemist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 74%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common major	Chemistry	Chemistry
Most common college	Stanford University	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chemistry laboratory technician vs research chemist demographics

Here are the differences between chemistry laboratory technicians' and research chemists' demographics:

	Chemistry Laboratory Technician	Research Chemist
Average age	44	42
Gender ratio	Male, 47.7% Female, 52.3%	Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5%
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, 7.4% 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%

Differences between chemistry laboratory technician and research chemist duties and responsibilities

Chemistry laboratory technician example responsibilities.

Participate in audits by FDA and ISO.
Assist in preparing and storing laboratory experiments.-Guide students through laboratory procedure.-collect student data for HPLC, GC/MS, and NMR samples.
Skil in characterization of compounds using 1HNMR , 13CNMR, IR, GC, UV-Vis spec.
Train mill trainees on ISO procedures.
Inventory lab chemicals and MSDS sheets.
Maintain and repair FTIR and UV-Vis spectrophotometers.

Research chemist example responsibilities.

Manage the CDS and LIMS systems for the institute.
Manage and record experimental data with lab management software (LIMS).
Manage projects involving the development of GC/MS methods, particle collection systems, and Raman spectral database creation.
Characterize the particles using SEM, DSC, IR, and UV-Vis.
Identify sample structure using microscopy, crystallography, NMR, UV/VIS, GC and AAS.
Develop GC & FTIR instrumental methods of analysis to support quality of incoming raw materials to ensure quality of finish products.

Chemistry laboratory technician vs research chemist skills

Common chemistry laboratory technician skills

Lab Equipment, 12%
Test Results, 7%
Laboratory Tests, 5%
Chemistry Laboratory, 4%
Safety Procedures, 4%
HPLC, 4%

Common research chemist skills

Laboratory Equipment, 10%
Method Development, 10%
R, 9%
HPLC, 5%
Analytical Chemistry, 5%
Polymer, 5%

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Chemistry Laboratory Technician
Chemistry Laboratory Technician vs Research Chemist

Updated January 8, 2025

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