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The differences between science technicians and biologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a science technician, becoming a biologist takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a biologist has an average salary of $65,158, 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 biologist are data collection, GPS, and renewable energy.
| Science Technician | Biologist | |
| Yearly salary | $35,570 | $65,158 |
| Hourly rate | $17.10 | $31.33 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 16,073 | 5,741 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 8 |
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 biologist is a specialized scientist focusing on studying living organisms and their relationship to the existing ecosystem. Biologists spend lots of time doing research and validating theories to support the complexity of the living matter. In some cases, biologists could also be out in the field rather than staying in a laboratory to collect biological specimens to justify their findings and create reports from their scientific investigations. Biologists also often communicate with government entities and private industries to provide recommendations on preserving the ecosystem and wildlife habitat.
Science technicians and biologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Technician | Biologist | |
| Average salary | $35,570 | $65,158 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $47,000 | Between $46,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | New York |
| Best paying company | Wayfair | |
| Best paying industry | Government | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a science technician and a biologist in terms of educational background:
| Science Technician | Biologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of California, Berkeley |
Here are the differences between science technicians' and biologists' demographics:
| Science Technician | Biologist | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% | Male, 51.4% Female, 48.6% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 10.4% White, 71.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 10% |