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The differences between research and development 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 research and development scientist, becoming a chemical technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a research and development scientist has an average salary of $90,278, which is higher than the $42,584 average annual salary of a chemical technician.
The top three skills for a research and development scientist include R, patients and data analysis. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Research And Development Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $90,278 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $43.40 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 129,803 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A research and development scientist specializes in conducting scientific studies and experiments to develop new products and technologies. They usually work at laboratories where they are in charge of conducting research and assessments, coming up with new ideas, performing tests, streamlining product requirements and guidelines, collaborating with fellow experts, utilizing previous studies and advanced software, and maintaining records of all procedures. Additionally, as a research and development scientist, it is essential to conduct reviews and assessments to ensure products adhere to safety standards and regulations.
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.
Research and development scientists and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research And Development Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $90,278 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $125,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | Tennessee | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Apple | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a research and development scientist and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Research And Development Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between research and development scientists' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Research And Development Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 64.4% Female, 35.6% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.3% 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% |