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The differences between microbiological laboratory technicians and research technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a microbiological laboratory technician and a research technician. Additionally, a research technician has an average salary of $43,034, 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 research technician are patients, data collection, and cell culture.
| Microbiological Laboratory Technician | Research Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $38,713 | $43,034 |
| Hourly rate | $18.61 | $20.69 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 44,567 | 64,786 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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 research technician is responsible for assisting in research studies and laboratory experiments. Research technicians operate laboratory tools and equipment, process data for experiments, collect samples for study, analyze existing research materials, analyze experiment results, manage inventories and stock supplies, record observations, and create reports for further examination. A research technician must have strong analytical and scientific knowledge, as well as a passion for research writing and investigations crucial for this kind of industry.
Microbiological laboratory technicians and research technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiological Laboratory Technician | Research Technician | |
| Average salary | $38,713 | $43,034 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $31,000 And $59,000 |
| Highest paying City | Burlington, MA | Pasadena, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | AstraZeneca | GCP Applied Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a microbiological laboratory technician and a research technician in terms of educational background:
| Microbiological Laboratory Technician | Research Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between microbiological laboratory technicians' and research technicians' demographics:
| Microbiological Laboratory Technician | Research Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0% | Male, 49.3% Female, 50.7% |
| 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, 12.0% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 16.5% White, 49.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |