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The differences between microbiological laboratory technicians 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 microbiological 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 $38,713 average annual salary of a microbiological laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a microbiological laboratory technician include microbiology lab, laboratory procedures and aseptic technique. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Microbiological Laboratory Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $38,713 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $18.61 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 44,567 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A microbiological laboratory technician specializes in handling and testing samples, ensuring accuracy and safety. Often working under the supervision of a more experienced scientist, a microbiological laboratory technician has the responsibility to operate various devices and machines, record all progress and data, review results, and produce reports and documentation. There are also instances when a technician must submit results within deadlines or follow a senior scientist's directives. Furthermore, it is essential to adhere to the safety policies and rules of the laboratory at all times.
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.
Microbiological laboratory technicians and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiological Laboratory Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $38,713 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Burlington, MA | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Maryland |
| Best paying company | AstraZeneca | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a microbiological laboratory technician and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Microbiological Laboratory Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between microbiological laboratory technicians' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Microbiological Laboratory Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 15.2% White, 51.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3% | 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 | 6% | 9% |