Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between forensic 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 forensic scientist and a science technician. Additionally, a forensic scientist has an average salary of $71,351, which is higher than the $35,570 average annual salary of a science technician.
The top three skills for a forensic scientist include laboratory equipment, physical evidence and analytical procedures. The most important skills for a science technician are lab equipment, safety regulations, and research projects.
| Forensic Scientist | Science Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $71,351 | $35,570 |
| Hourly rate | $34.30 | $17.10 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 43,335 | 16,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 80% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 38 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Forensic scientists work as experts in collecting evidence, analyzing evidence collected at crime scenes, and communicating with law enforcement. They can work as a lab manager and detective. They are responsible for ensuring that tests are performed correctly and ethically without any bias. They obtain evidence at the crime scene, making reports of the findings, examining the evidence in the lab if the evidence collected is relevant or not, and testifying in court. They report to superiors the findings of the analysis.
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.
Forensic scientists and science technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Forensic Scientist | Science Technician | |
| Average salary | $71,351 | $35,570 |
| Salary range | Between $45,000 And $112,000 | Between $26,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lincoln, NE | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Alere | Wayfair |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Government |
There are a few differences between a forensic scientist and a science technician in terms of educational background:
| Forensic Scientist | Science Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 80% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | California State University - Bakersfield | Duke University |
Here are the differences between forensic scientists' and science technicians' demographics:
| Forensic Scientist | Science Technician | |
| Average age | 38 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 43.1% Female, 56.9% | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 10.5% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | 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 | 8% | 6% |