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The differences between laboratory researchers and research 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 laboratory researcher and a research technician. Additionally, a research technician has an average salary of $43,034, which is higher than the $27,760 average annual salary of a laboratory researcher.
The top three skills for a laboratory researcher include lab procedures, cell culture and molecular biology. The most important skills for a research technician are patients, data collection, and cell culture.
| Laboratory Researcher | Research Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $27,760 | $43,034 |
| Hourly rate | $13.35 | $20.69 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 57,359 | 64,786 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Laboratory researchers are professionals who manage a research laboratory while performing cellular and biochemical experiments with the primary researcher. These researchers must work with hazardous chemicals and should show expertise in handling lab equipment such as glassware and field equipment. They are required to assist with research projects and interpret the test data of an experiment. They must manage the order of all lab equipment by filling up the purchase requisition forms. Laboratory researchers are required to work with students in all aspects of laboratory research.
A research technician is responsible for assisting in research studies and laboratory experiments. Research technicians operate laboratory tools and equipment, process data for experiments, collect samples for study, analyze existing research materials, analyze experiment results, manage inventories and stock supplies, record observations, and create reports for further examination. A research technician must have strong analytical and scientific knowledge, as well as a passion for research writing and investigations crucial for this kind of industry.
Laboratory researchers and research technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Researcher | Research Technician | |
| Average salary | $27,760 | $43,034 |
| Salary range | Between $17,000 And $43,000 | Between $31,000 And $59,000 |
| Highest paying City | New Brunswick, NJ | Pasadena, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Los Alamos National Laboratory | GCP Applied Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Education | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a laboratory researcher and a research technician in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Researcher | Research Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between laboratory researchers' and research technicians' demographics:
| Laboratory Researcher | Research Technician | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3% | Male, 49.3% Female, 50.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 16.5% White, 49.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |