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The differences between science technicians and biology laboratory 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 biology laboratory technician. Additionally, a biology laboratory technician has an average salary of $38,514, 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 biology laboratory technician are lab equipment, molecular biology, and chemistry.
| Science Technician | Biology Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $35,570 | $38,514 |
| Hourly rate | $17.10 | $18.52 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 16,073 | 45,470 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| 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 assists medical and biological scientists in conducting laboratory experiments and tests. As a biological technician, you will perform a variety of tasks that include setting up, maintaining, and cleaning laboratory equipment and instruments such as test tubes and microscopes, collecting and preparing biological samples, and analyzing experimental data, and interpreting results. In addition, you will assist medical scientists by administering new treatments and medicines to laboratory animals. You will also perform different techniques such as specimen staining to aid identification.
Science technicians and biology laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Technician | Biology Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $35,570 | $38,514 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $47,000 | Between $29,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | South San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | California |
| Best paying company | Wayfair | University of California |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a science technician and a biology laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Science Technician | Biology Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between science technicians' and biology laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Science Technician | Biology Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% | Male, 42.6% Female, 57.4% |
| 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, 12.8% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Asian, 12.7% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |