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The differences between formulation technicians and chemical laboratory 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 formulation technician and a chemical laboratory technician. Additionally, a formulation technician has an average salary of $48,107, which is higher than the $41,087 average annual salary of a chemical laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a formulation technician include lean manufacturing, FDA and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a chemical laboratory technician are lab equipment, routine maintenance, and chemical analysis.
| Formulation Technician | Chemical Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $48,107 | $41,087 |
| Hourly rate | $23.13 | $19.75 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 45,585 | 47,036 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Formulation Technicians are responsible for preparing and testing formulations samples to meet the research and development goals. Their duties include preparing samples for different formulations, undertaking pilot production studies, assessing storage stability, conducting physical property measuring, and performing chemical and physical formulation assessments. They facilitate global sampling, maintain an accurate record of study data, and participate in team meetings. Formulation Technicians also ensure that laboratory resources are up to acceptable standards and work is done to follow best practices, safety standards, and documented procedures.
A chemical laboratory technician is in charge of performing support tasks for chemists in a laboratory or similar setting. Their duties and responsibilities typically revolve around handling and managing chemicals and laboratory apparatuses, gathering and preparing samples, performing analysis, operating machines and devices, and maintaining records of all procedures and results. They may also procure supplies, organize chemicals, and ensure proper waste disposal. Furthermore, as a chemical laboratory technician, it is essential to maintain the cleanliness and order in laboratories, all while implementing its policies and regulations.
Formulation technicians and chemical laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Formulation Technician | Chemical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $48,107 | $41,087 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $75,000 | Between $32,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | Rockville, MD | Albuquerque, NM |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Boehringer Ingelheim | Basin Electric Power Cooperative |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Technology |
There are a few differences between a formulation technician and a chemical laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Formulation Technician | Chemical Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between formulation technicians' and chemical laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Formulation Technician | Chemical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1% | Male, 60.8% Female, 39.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 9.4% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 8.4% White, 62.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |