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Chemistry technologist vs chemical technician

The differences between chemistry technologists 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 technologist and a chemical technician. Additionally, a chemistry technologist has an average salary of $46,569, which is higher than the $42,584 average annual salary of a chemical technician.

The top three skills for a chemistry technologist include lab equipment, chromatography and analytical chemistry. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.

Chemistry technologist vs chemical technician overview

Chemistry TechnologistChemical Technician
Yearly salary$46,569$42,584
Hourly rate$22.39$20.47
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs53,33240,191
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

What does a chemistry technologist do?

A chemistry technologist is responsible for evaluating chemical components and processes by performing laboratory tests and investigations to support scientific studies and claims. Chemistry technologists develop chemical solutions to create and improve existing features of commercial products and enhance the quality standards. They utilize various laboratory tools and equipment and ensure stability and efficiency to avoid potential hazards and generate accurate results. A chemistry technologist must have excellent scientific and critical-thinking skills to identify opportunities for chemical purposes and production processes.

What does a chemical technician do?

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 technologist vs chemical technician salary

Chemistry technologists and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Chemistry TechnologistChemical Technician
Average salary$46,569$42,584
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $65,000Between $30,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CityNew Haven, CTBaltimore, MD
Highest paying stateMarylandMaryland
Best paying companyTri-City Medical CenterCalpine
Best paying industryUtilitiesPharmaceutical

Differences between chemistry technologist and chemical technician education

There are a few differences between a chemistry technologist and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:

Chemistry TechnologistChemical Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common majorChemistryChemistry
Most common collegeStanford UniversityInter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon

Chemistry technologist vs chemical technician demographics

Here are the differences between chemistry technologists' and chemical technicians' demographics:

Chemistry TechnologistChemical Technician
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 52.8% Female, 47.2%Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 9.3% White, 62.7% 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 Percentage9%9%

Differences between chemistry technologist and chemical technician duties and responsibilities

Chemistry technologist example responsibilities.

  • Train in performing GLP (research testing regulate by the FDA).
  • Perform daily chemical production work following ISO and GMP guidelines; additionally create and monitor the production schedule.
  • Perform analysis of plant fluids utilizing AA, ICP, HPLC, GC, gamma spectroscopy, and liquid scintillation.
  • Used GC (gas chromatography) analysis to determine the amount of trans fat in salad oil, ensuring customers specifications.
  • Work in a regulate GLP lab setting.
  • Enter and maintain data and other files in LIMS.
  • Show more

Chemical technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage daily production schedule, monitor machine operation, addressed any etching machinery problems.
  • Used the FTIR to determine the consistency of the BPA.
  • Sample preparation for ICP, ICPMS, FLAA, and IC.
  • Metal analysis through ICP OES testing.
  • Perform GC/MS analyses using sw846, EPA and CLP methodologies.
  • Maintain, organize, and update MSDS database for entire company.
  • Show more

Chemistry technologist vs chemical technician skills

Common chemistry technologist skills
  • Lab Equipment, 8%
  • Chromatography, 6%
  • Analytical Chemistry, 5%
  • HPLC, 4%
  • Sample Preparation, 4%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 4%
Common chemical technician skills
  • Lab Equipment, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 8%
  • Hazardous Materials, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Math, 5%
  • Troubleshoot, 3%

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