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The differences between research and development technicians and science 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 research and development technician and a science technician. Additionally, a research and development technician has an average salary of $83,552, which is higher than the $35,570 average annual salary of a science technician.
The top three skills for a research and development technician include R, project management and product management. The most important skills for a science technician are lab equipment, safety regulations, and research projects.
| Research And Development Technician | Science Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $83,552 | $35,570 |
| Hourly rate | $40.17 | $17.10 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 111,268 | 16,073 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A research and development technician specializes in performing mathematical and laboratory operations to support projects concerning products and development. Usually functioning as an assistant to a more experienced researcher, a research and development technician's responsibilities revolve around conducting analysis, building models and prototypes, producing reports, and performing various experiments. Furthermore, as a technician, it is crucial to coordinate with all team members, keeping an accurate record of all processes while adhering to the company's standards and regulations.
A science technician is responsible for supporting research studies and product development processes by utilizing a scientific method approach and theories. Science technicians assist in conducting laboratory investigations, ensuring the adequacy of laboratory inventory, and inspecting the efficiency and performance of laboratory tools and equipment to prevent examination delays and potential hazards. They also write findings reports, record results, and develop accurate analysis. A science technician runs quality control procedures, interpret data, and ensuring that the investigations adhere to internal regulations and state requirements.
Research and development technicians and science technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research And Development Technician | Science Technician | |
| Average salary | $83,552 | $35,570 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $125,000 | Between $26,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | PayPal | Wayfair |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Government |
There are a few differences between a research and development technician and a science technician in terms of educational background:
| Research And Development Technician | Science Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Business | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between research and development technicians' and science technicians' demographics:
| Research And Development Technician | Science Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.5% Female, 27.5% | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 15.4% White, 50.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% | Black or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.3% Asian, 12.8% White, 52.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |