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The differences between laboratory scientists and laboratory 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 laboratory scientist, becoming a laboratory technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a laboratory scientist has an average salary of $66,249, which is higher than the $40,038 average annual salary of a laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a laboratory scientist include chemistry, ASCP and laboratory procedures. The most important skills for a laboratory technician are patients, lab equipment, and customer service.
| Laboratory Scientist | Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $66,249 | $40,038 |
| Hourly rate | $31.85 | $19.25 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 83,505 | 84,357 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
A laboratory scientist specializes in conducting research and experiments for a company or an academic institution. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around gathering and labeling samples, documenting data and progress, reviewing results, and even maintaining the cleanliness of the laboratory and its apparatus. There are also instances when they have to collaborate with other scientists, report progress, and even contribute them to different publications. Furthermore, a laboratory scientist may supervise less experienced colleagues, all while implementing the safety policies and regulations of the laboratory to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
Laboratory technicians are medical professionals who work in the laboratory. They are responsible for the equipment in the laboratory, making sure tools are properly sanitized and sterilized after every use. They also ensure that laboratory equipment works well. Laboratory technicians may also be responsible for collecting and testing samples from patients. They prepare solutions and other chemicals that may be needed for testing. They also provide an analysis of the samples that they tested. Laboratory technicians ensure that all items in the laboratory are properly labeled and organized.
Laboratory scientists and laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Scientist | Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $66,249 | $40,038 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $93,000 | Between $27,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Tenaska |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a laboratory scientist and a laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Scientist | Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | New York University |
Here are the differences between laboratory scientists' and laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Laboratory Scientist | Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.0% Female, 51.0% | Male, 53.3% Female, 46.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |