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The differences between forestry technicians and biological science technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a forestry technician, becoming a biological science technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a forestry technician has an average salary of $35,758, which is higher than the $35,390 average annual salary of a biological science technician.
The top three skills for a forestry technician include harvest, patrol and natural resources. The most important skills for a biological science technician are laboratory equipment, data collection, and rehabilitation.
| Forestry Technician | Biological Science Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $35,758 | $35,390 |
| Hourly rate | $17.19 | $17.01 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 5,810 | 13,801 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 38 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
A forestry technician specializes in protecting and preserving forests and natural resources. Mostly working outdoors, their responsibilities revolve around collecting and analyzing different samples for research purposes, recording and reviewing findings, devising programs and strategies to protect the forest and animals, and raising public awareness. Furthermore, as a forestry technician, it is essential to implement and enforce rules and regulations to protect forests, coordinate with other agencies such as the fire and police department, and contribute studies to different publications.
A biological science technician is responsible for supporting scientists in conducting laboratory experiments and examinations. Biological science technicians perform data analysis procedures, evaluate findings, and create data reports. They also ensure the cleanliness of the laboratory, including the laboratory tools and equipment, to prevent contamination that may affect the accuracy of test results. A biological science technician must have excellent scientific knowledge, especially on the application of scientific methods, assessing research studies, and other related scientific principles.
Forestry technicians and biological science technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Forestry Technician | Biological Science Technician | |
| Average salary | $35,758 | $35,390 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $45,000 | Between $26,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fairbanks, AK | Watertown Town, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Boulder County | SenesTech |
| Best paying industry | Government | - |
There are a few differences between a forestry technician and a biological science technician in terms of educational background:
| Forestry Technician | Biological Science Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Forestry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between forestry technicians' and biological science technicians' demographics:
| Forestry Technician | Biological Science Technician | |
| Average age | 38 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.1% Female, 23.9% | Male, 51.0% Female, 49.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 7.1% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% | Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 12.7% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |