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The differences between production scientists and chemical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a production scientist, becoming a chemical technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a production scientist has an average salary of $77,464, which is higher than the $42,584 average annual salary of a chemical technician.
The top three skills for a production scientist include process improvement, QC and lab equipment. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Production Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $77,464 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $37.24 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 100,301 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A production scientist analyzes production operations and manufacturing processes to identify gaps, modify current procedures that would increase process efficiency, and maximize optimal performance. Production scientists inspect the tools and materials utilized for the production and oversee research trials for process formulations. They also develop opportunities and design models that support business functions, generating more innovation and increasing more revenue resources for the business. A production scientist writes research findings, manages resources, and determines various process feasibility.
A chemical technician is responsible for supporting chemists and laboratory technicians in performing laboratory investigations and examining chemical components and structures. Chemical technicians ensure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment, performing proper sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, and maintaining the adequacy of inventory. They also record the research progress, including scientific methods, and write observation reports for reference. A chemical technician manages the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility to avoid potential hazards and complications during chemical operations.
Production scientists and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Production Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $77,464 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $48,000 And $124,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Beckman Coulter | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a production scientist and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Production Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between production scientists' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Production Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 58.4% Female, 41.6% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 23.3% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 6.9% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |