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The differences between laboratory 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 laboratory scientist and a science technician. Additionally, a laboratory scientist has an average salary of $66,249, which is higher than the $35,570 average annual salary of a science technician.
The top three skills for a laboratory scientist include chemistry, ASCP and laboratory procedures. The most important skills for a science technician are lab equipment, safety regulations, and research projects.
| Laboratory Scientist | Science Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $66,249 | $35,570 |
| Hourly rate | $31.85 | $17.10 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 83,505 | 16,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Laboratory scientists and science technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Scientist | Science Technician | |
| Average salary | $66,249 | $35,570 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $93,000 | Between $26,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Wayfair |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Government |
There are a few differences between a laboratory scientist and a science technician in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Scientist | Science Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Duke University |
Here are the differences between laboratory scientists' and science technicians' demographics:
| Laboratory Scientist | Science Technician | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.0% Female, 51.0% | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% |
| 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, 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% |