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The differences between materials 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 materials scientist, becoming a chemical technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a materials scientist has an average salary of $84,459, which is higher than the $42,584 average annual salary of a chemical technician.
The top three skills for a materials scientist include polymer, SEM and materials characterization. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Materials Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $84,459 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $40.61 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 46,795 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A materials scientist is responsible for evaluating scientific properties, investigating chemical solutions and structures, and analyzing the components of natural materials. Materials scientists perform data analysis using scientific methods and operating different laboratory tools and equipment to develop entirely new scientific discoveries that would benefit various market industries for production. They also validate their findings by researching existing cases or coordinating with science experts to support their claims. A materials scientist creates a comprehensive report, including its scope and benefits for society.
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.
Materials scientists and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Materials Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $84,459 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $119,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Meta | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a materials scientist and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Materials Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between materials scientists' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Materials Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.9% Female, 27.1% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 29.6% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 5% | 9% |