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Microscopist vs archaeological technician

The differences between microscopists and archaeological technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a microscopist and an archaeological technician. Additionally, a microscopist has an average salary of $51,773, which is higher than the $35,787 average annual salary of an archaeological technician.

The top three skills for a microscopist include chemistry, asbestos and electron microscope. The most important skills for an archaeological technician are GPS, GIS, and excavations.

Microscopist vs archaeological technician overview

MicroscopistArchaeological Technician
Yearly salary$51,773$35,787
Hourly rate$24.89$17.21
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs7,5137,638
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

Microscopist vs archaeological technician salary

Microscopists and archaeological technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

MicroscopistArchaeological Technician
Average salary$51,773$35,787
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $85,000Between $28,000 And $44,000
Highest paying City-Portland, OR
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-TRC Companies
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between microscopist and archaeological technician education

There are a few differences between a microscopist and an archaeological technician in terms of educational background:

MicroscopistArchaeological Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Most common majorBiologyAnthropology
Most common collegeStanford UniversityHarvard University

Microscopist vs archaeological technician demographics

Here are the differences between microscopists' and archaeological technicians' demographics:

MicroscopistArchaeological Technician
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 56.9% Female, 43.1%Male, 51.7% Female, 48.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 10.5% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 9.5% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between microscopist and archaeological technician duties and responsibilities

Microscopist example responsibilities.

  • Manage daily RCRA inspections and mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment preventive/corrective maintenance procedures.
  • Design and perform research studies on particle chemistry.
  • Perform QC analysis for accuracy.
  • Quantify asbestos levels in air and building material samples for state and federal environmental remediation projects.
  • Prepare bulk asbestos samples, analyze samples utilizing polarize light microscopy with dispersion staining and enter sample results into data system.
  • Assist HAZWOPER technicians with logistical support for operations on project operations including research of facilities and vendors need for project completion.
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Archaeological technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage daily RCRA inspections and mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment preventive/corrective maintenance procedures.
  • Enter field data into standard archaeological forms and create archaeological site maps using a GPS unit and ArcGIS software.
  • Utilize GIS analysis to assist with locating and mitigating archaeological sites.
  • Clear atv trails and place cattle guards for atv use.
  • Work with compass, GPS, aerial photos, and topographical maps to survey a corridor for the client.
  • Perform trouble-shooting of excavations as required.
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Microscopist vs archaeological technician skills

Common microscopist skills
  • Chemistry, 32%
  • Asbestos, 20%
  • Electron Microscope, 10%
  • QC, 10%
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy, 6%
  • PLM, 4%
Common archaeological technician skills
  • GPS, 25%
  • GIS, 9%
  • Excavations, 7%
  • Resource Management, 6%
  • Data Collection, 6%
  • Data Entry, 5%

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