Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between manufacturing 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 manufacturing scientist, becoming a chemical technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a manufacturing scientist has an average salary of $87,366, which is higher than the $42,584 average annual salary of a chemical technician.
The top three skills for a manufacturing scientist include chemistry, continuous improvement and QC. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Manufacturing Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $87,366 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $42.00 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 74,018 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A manufacturing scientist specializes in conducting experiments to develop products and procedures according to its product development needs. It is their duty to understand the purpose and vision of the projects, perform research and analysis, coordinate with clients and experts, and keep records of all procedures and findings. They must also identify market needs, studying feedback from clients. Furthermore, as a manufacturing scientist, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for an efficient and successful workflow.
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.
Manufacturing scientists and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Manufacturing Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $87,366 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $122,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Lumileds | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a manufacturing scientist and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Manufacturing Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | 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 manufacturing scientists' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Manufacturing Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 45.6% Female, 54.4% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.7% 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% |