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The differences between molecular biologists and research technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a molecular biologist, becoming a research technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a molecular biologist has an average salary of $73,763, which is higher than the $43,034 average annual salary of a research technician.
The top three skills for a molecular biologist include CRISPR, next-generation sequencing and cell culture. The most important skills for a research technician are patients, data collection, and cell culture.
| Molecular Biologist | Research Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $73,763 | $43,034 |
| Hourly rate | $35.46 | $20.69 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 22,019 | 64,786 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
A molecular biologist is a specialist who explores and studies the complex functions of cells on a molecular level as well as the biological laws governing the operations of each cellular component. To conduct research and academic activities, molecular biologists use equipment such as microscopes, lab centrifuges, and computers with software that allows the analysis of obtained data. They are required to develop a new way to test the validity of drugs that are used to stimulate safe gene growth and fight off disease. Molecular biologists must also conduct workshops and practical demonstrations in universities and governmental agencies.
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.
Molecular biologists and research technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Biologist | Research Technician | |
| Average salary | $73,763 | $43,034 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $104,000 | Between $31,000 And $59,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | Pasadena, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Novartis | GCP Applied Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a molecular biologist and a research technician in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Biologist | Research Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between molecular biologists' and research technicians' demographics:
| Molecular Biologist | Research Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1% | Male, 49.3% Female, 50.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Asian, 17.3% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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 | 10% | 6% |