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The differences between science technicians and biological 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 science technician and a biological technician. Additionally, a biological technician has an average salary of $43,572, which is higher than the $35,570 average annual salary of a science technician.
The top three skills for a science technician include lab equipment, safety regulations and research projects. The most important skills for a biological technician are GPS, lab equipment, and data collection.
| Science Technician | Biological Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $35,570 | $43,572 |
| Hourly rate | $17.10 | $20.95 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 16,073 | 9,182 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A biological technician is in charge of performing laboratory support tasks, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around gathering and preparing samples, operating laboratory equipment, conducting analysis and experiments, recording every progress, and maintaining documentation. They may also coordinate with other technicians and scientists in various research and development efforts, summarizing findings into reports and presentations. Furthermore, as a laboratory technician, it is essential to maintain the cleanliness and order in the laboratory, all while adhering to its policies and regulations.
Science technicians and biological technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Technician | Biological Technician | |
| Average salary | $35,570 | $43,572 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $47,000 | Between $30,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Wayfair | Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| Best paying industry | Government | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a science technician and a biological technician in terms of educational background:
| Science Technician | Biological Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between science technicians' and biological technicians' demographics:
| Science Technician | Biological Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% | Male, 53.2% Female, 46.8% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 12.6% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |