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The differences between marine biologists and biological science technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a marine biologist, becoming a biological science technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a marine biologist has an average salary of $54,008, which is higher than the $35,390 average annual salary of a biological science technician.
The top three skills for a marine biologist include ecology, data analysis and water quality. The most important skills for a biological science technician are laboratory equipment, data collection, and rehabilitation.
| Marine Biologist | Biological Science Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,008 | $35,390 |
| Hourly rate | $25.97 | $17.01 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 17,273 | 13,801 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A marine biologist primarily conducts research projects. The responsibilities of this position are collecting research specimens at sea, compiling data on the field of research being carried out, conducting laboratory experiments or tests, planning experiments that will be conducted, interpreting data, using tracking technology, and preparing thorough reports and research papers. They may also recommend other industrial practices that will minimize negative effects on the marine life.
A biological science technician is responsible for supporting scientists in conducting laboratory experiments and examinations. Biological science technicians perform data analysis procedures, evaluate findings, and create data reports. They also ensure the cleanliness of the laboratory, including the laboratory tools and equipment, to prevent contamination that may affect the accuracy of test results. A biological science technician must have excellent scientific knowledge, especially on the application of scientific methods, assessing research studies, and other related scientific principles.
Marine biologists and biological science technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Marine Biologist | Biological Science Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,008 | $35,390 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $84,000 | Between $26,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Watertown Town, MA |
| Highest paying state | - | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | - | SenesTech |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a marine biologist and a biological science technician in terms of educational background:
| Marine Biologist | Biological Science Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Ecology, Population Biology, And Epidemiology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of California - Davis | Duke University |
Here are the differences between marine biologists' and biological science technicians' demographics:
| Marine Biologist | Biological Science Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 54.1% Female, 45.9% | Male, 51.0% Female, 49.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 10.3% White, 71.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 12.7% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 6% |