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The differences between molecular research technologists 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 molecular research technologist and a research technician. Additionally, a molecular research technologist has an average salary of $59,138, which is higher than the $43,034 average annual salary of a research technician.
The top three skills for a molecular research technologist include CRISPR, lab equipment and tissue culture. The most important skills for a research technician are patients, data collection, and cell culture.
| Molecular Research Technologist | Research Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $59,138 | $43,034 |
| Hourly rate | $28.43 | $20.69 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 94,466 | 64,786 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A molecular research technologist works in a laboratory and performs duties to analyze samples. Molecular research technologists are responsible for collecting samples for research, testing specimens using various materials and equipment, and studying how treatments and clinical drugs affect samples. They identify issues and troubleshooting, maintain data analysis records, entering data into a lab information system, and preparing lab equipment. They should perform complex procedures with understanding and a high degree of accuracy. As molecular research technologists, their skills are in demand in genotyping involving in the genetic and molecular sugarcane breeding program.
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 research technologists and research technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Research Technologist | Research Technician | |
| Average salary | $59,138 | $43,034 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $92,000 | Between $31,000 And $59,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | Pasadena, CA |
| Highest paying state | Kansas | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | GCP Applied Technologies |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a molecular research technologist and a research technician in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Research Technologist | Research Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between molecular research technologists' and research technicians' demographics:
| Molecular Research Technologist | Research Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.4% Female, 52.6% | Male, 49.3% Female, 50.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 12.3% White, 72.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 19% | 6% |