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The differences between natural resource technicians and biological science technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a natural resource technician, becoming a biological science technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a biological science technician has an average salary of $35,390, which is higher than the $33,588 average annual salary of a natural resource technician.
The top three skills for a natural resource technician include GPS, natural resources and hand tools. The most important skills for a biological science technician are laboratory equipment, data collection, and rehabilitation.
| Natural Resource Technician | Biological Science Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $33,588 | $35,390 |
| Hourly rate | $16.15 | $17.01 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 19,143 | 13,801 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 38 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
A natural resource technician assists other environmental specialists in collecting and compiling environmental data and in using that information to assess how natural resources are impacted by bioenergy. A natural resource technician is typically supervised by a senior natural resource specialist. This position requires a bachelor's degree in environmental science. The responsibilities of this position include analyzing environmental problems, developing plans that guide policy makers, and providing data on possible outcomes of bioenergy deployment.
A biological science technician is responsible for supporting scientists in conducting laboratory experiments and examinations. Biological science technicians perform data analysis procedures, evaluate findings, and create data reports. They also ensure the cleanliness of the laboratory, including the laboratory tools and equipment, to prevent contamination that may affect the accuracy of test results. A biological science technician must have excellent scientific knowledge, especially on the application of scientific methods, assessing research studies, and other related scientific principles.
Natural resource technicians and biological science technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Natural Resource Technician | Biological Science Technician | |
| Average salary | $33,588 | $35,390 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $42,000 | Between $26,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | Anchorage, AK | Watertown Town, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Student Conservation Association | SenesTech |
| Best paying industry | Government | - |
There are a few differences between a natural resource technician and a biological science technician in terms of educational background:
| Natural Resource Technician | Biological Science Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Environmental Science | Biology |
| Most common college | University of California, Berkeley | Duke University |
Here are the differences between natural resource technicians' and biological science technicians' demographics:
| Natural Resource Technician | Biological Science Technician | |
| Average age | 38 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.7% Female, 39.3% | Male, 51.0% Female, 49.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.9% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% | Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 12.7% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |