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The differences between formulation 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 formulation scientist and a science technician. Additionally, a formulation scientist has an average salary of $90,067, which is higher than the $35,570 average annual salary of a science technician.
The top three skills for a formulation scientist include dosage forms, scale-up and GMP. The most important skills for a science technician are lab equipment, safety regulations, and research projects.
| Formulation Scientist | Science Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $90,067 | $35,570 |
| Hourly rate | $43.30 | $17.10 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 45,763 | 16,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A formulation scientist specializes in conducting different scientific experiments to create new products and enhance existing formulations. They usually work at laboratories to establish plans and objectives, conduct extensive research and analyses to design and develop a formula, create test structures to evaluate products, and set strategies to meet budgets, goals, and timelines. They also assess existing products to determine their weaknesses and strengths, developing solutions against potential issues and existing problems. Additionally, a formulation scientist maintains records of all procedures and implements protocols and safety regulations.
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.
Formulation scientists and science technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Formulation Scientist | Science Technician | |
| Average salary | $90,067 | $35,570 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $126,000 | Between $26,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | BioMarin | Wayfair |
| Best paying industry | Agriculture | Government |
There are a few differences between a formulation scientist and a science technician in terms of educational background:
| Formulation Scientist | Science Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Pharmacy | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Duke University |
Here are the differences between formulation scientists' and science technicians' demographics:
| Formulation Scientist | Science Technician | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.6% Female, 38.4% | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 32.9% White, 47.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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% |