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The differences between laboratory technicians and chemical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a laboratory technician, becoming a chemical technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a chemical technician has an average salary of $42,584, which is higher than the $40,038 average annual salary of a laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a laboratory technician include patients, lab equipment and customer service. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Laboratory Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $40,038 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $19.25 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 84,357 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
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.
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.
Laboratory technicians and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $40,038 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $58,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Tenaska | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a laboratory technician and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | New York University | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between laboratory technicians' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Laboratory Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 53.3% Female, 46.7% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |