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The differences between research laboratory technicians and biological 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 laboratory technician and a biological science technician. Additionally, a research laboratory technician has an average salary of $38,308, which is higher than the $35,390 average annual salary of a biological science technician.
The top three skills for a research laboratory technician include patients, chemistry and laboratory equipment. The most important skills for a biological science technician are laboratory equipment, data collection, and rehabilitation.
| Research Laboratory Technician | Biological Science Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $38,308 | $35,390 |
| Hourly rate | $18.42 | $17.01 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 86,476 | 13,801 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Research laboratory technicians play a vital role in scientific laboratories. They perform varied duties and responsibilities, which include setting up, operating, and maintaining the laboratory equipment, assisting in laboratory-based research activities such as sampling, testing, and analyzing results, and providing technical support to the laboratory team members. In addition, they are expected to support the development and advancement of science and modern medicine. Other typical duties of research laboratory technicians include preparing samples and specimens, keeping abreast with current technical developments, and ensuring strict compliance with safety procedures.
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.
Research laboratory technicians and biological science technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Laboratory Technician | Biological Science Technician | |
| Average salary | $38,308 | $35,390 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $48,000 | Between $26,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | Chicago, IL | Watertown Town, MA |
| Highest paying state | Illinois | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Accenture | SenesTech |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | - |
There are a few differences between a research laboratory technician and a biological science technician in terms of educational background:
| Research Laboratory Technician | Biological Science Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between research laboratory technicians' and biological science technicians' demographics:
| Research Laboratory Technician | Biological Science Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.0% Female, 51.0% | Male, 51.0% Female, 49.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.5% Asian, 15.7% White, 49.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5% | 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 | 6% | 6% |