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The differences between computer scientists and science technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a computer scientist and a science technician. Additionally, a computer scientist has an average salary of $103,238, which is higher than the $35,570 average annual salary of a science technician.
The top three skills for a computer scientist include python, computer system and machine learning. The most important skills for a science technician are lab equipment, safety regulations, and research projects.
| Computer Scientist | Science Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $103,238 | $35,570 |
| Hourly rate | $49.63 | $17.10 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 59,802 | 16,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A computer scientist is responsible for analyzing network infrastructure and designing efficient computer systems according to clients' specifications and business functions. Computer scientists inspect the safety and security of the organization's database, ensuring its protection from malicious activities and unauthorized access. They also manage a large scale of software applications, identifying technical opportunities to improve optimal performance and navigations. A computer scientist must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, strong command on programming languages and system codes, and the ability to solve technical complexities for conceptualization.
A science technician is responsible for supporting research studies and product development processes by utilizing a scientific method approach and theories. Science technicians assist in conducting laboratory investigations, ensuring the adequacy of laboratory inventory, and inspecting the efficiency and performance of laboratory tools and equipment to prevent examination delays and potential hazards. They also write findings reports, record results, and develop accurate analysis. A science technician runs quality control procedures, interpret data, and ensuring that the investigations adhere to internal regulations and state requirements.
Computer scientists and science technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Scientist | Science Technician | |
| Average salary | $103,238 | $35,570 |
| Salary range | Between $74,000 And $144,000 | Between $26,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Meta | Wayfair |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Government |
There are a few differences between a computer scientist and a science technician in terms of educational background:
| Computer Scientist | Science Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Biology |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Duke University |
Here are the differences between computer scientists' and science technicians' demographics:
| Computer Scientist | Science Technician | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.8% Female, 21.2% | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.9% Asian, 18.8% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.3% Asian, 12.8% White, 52.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 6% |