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The differences between junior scientists and chemical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a junior scientist, becoming a chemical technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a junior scientist has an average salary of $63,169, which is higher than the $42,584 average annual salary of a chemical technician.
The top three skills for a junior scientist include lab equipment, literature and data analysis. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Junior Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $63,169 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $30.37 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 56,283 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A junior scientist is in charge of conducting research and scientific studies while under the supervision of a more experienced scientist. Their responsibilities typically revolve around gathering and preparing samples, performing experiments and analysis, coordinating with other experts, recording all progress, reviewing results, and summarizing findings into reports and presentations. In a company setting, a junior scientist must adhere to deadlines and budgets, submitting results to senior scientists and managers. Furthermore, it is essential to uphold the policies and regulations of laboratories to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
A chemical technician is responsible for supporting chemists and laboratory technicians in performing laboratory investigations and examining chemical components and structures. Chemical technicians ensure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment, performing proper sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, and maintaining the adequacy of inventory. They also record the research progress, including scientific methods, and write observation reports for reference. A chemical technician manages the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility to avoid potential hazards and complications during chemical operations.
Junior scientists and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Junior Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $63,169 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $44,000 And $90,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | The University of Chicago | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Education | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a junior scientist and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Junior Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between junior scientists' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Junior Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.0% Female, 53.0% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 6.9% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |