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The differences between science technicians and environmental technicians 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 an environmental technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an environmental technician has an average salary of $39,690, 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 an environmental technician are patients, OSHA, and hazardous materials.
| Science Technician | Environmental Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $35,570 | $39,690 |
| Hourly rate | $17.10 | $19.08 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 16,073 | 43,079 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
An environmental technician is responsible for identifying, evaluating, preventing, and controlling contamination of the environment. They study how it affects human health with the supervision of environmental engineers and environmental scientists. Environmental technicians work by monitoring the environment and look for possible sources of pollution and contamination that can possibly affect public health. They make sure that environmental violations are prevented. In addition, an environmental technician also investigates any complaint that is related to water quality, air quality, and food safety.
Science technicians and environmental technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Technician | Environmental Technician | |
| Average salary | $35,570 | $39,690 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $47,000 | Between $30,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Danbury, CT |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Wayfair | City of Detroit |
| Best paying industry | Government | Energy |
There are a few differences between a science technician and an environmental technician in terms of educational background:
| Science Technician | Environmental Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Biology | Environmental Science |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between science technicians' and environmental technicians' demographics:
| Science Technician | Environmental Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% | Male, 73.3% Female, 26.7% |
| 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, 9.7% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |