Science technician vs forensic pathologist

The differences between science technicians and forensic pathologists 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 forensic pathologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a forensic pathologist has an average salary of $57,239, 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 forensic pathologist are body fluids, , and .

Science technician vs forensic pathologist overview

	Science Technician	Forensic Pathologist
Yearly salary	$35,570	$57,239
Hourly rate	$17.10	$27.52
Growth rate	9%	16%
Number of jobs	16,073	20,624
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 69%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age	40	46
Years of experience	4	2

Science technician vs forensic pathologist salary

Science technicians and forensic pathologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Science Technician	Forensic Pathologist
Average salary	$35,570	$57,239
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $47,000	Between $26,000 And $122,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	-
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	-
Best paying company	Wayfair	-
Best paying industry	Government	-

Differences between science technician and forensic pathologist education

There are a few differences between a science technician and a forensic pathologist in terms of educational background:

	Science Technician	Forensic Pathologist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 69%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common major	Biology	Biology
Most common college	Duke University	Stanford University

Science technician vs forensic pathologist demographics

Here are the differences between science technicians' and forensic pathologists' demographics:

	Science Technician	Forensic Pathologist
Average age	40	46
Gender ratio	Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3%	Male, 47.6% Female, 52.4%
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, 8.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 6.6% White, 68.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	6%	12%

Differences between science technician and forensic pathologist duties and responsibilities

Science technician example responsibilities.

Identify owl species by sight and sound prompt using hoot flute and reed caller.
Manage daily RCRA inspections and mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment preventive/corrective maintenance procedures.
Administer laboratory tests and experiments that include various assays, such as ELISA and specialize technologies.
Create GIS layers and a corresponding database of artifacts find at various GPS locations in and around the project site.
Perform DNA quantification and real-time PCR analysis for determination of different bacterial species abundance.
Operate under GLP, FDA, EPA, and OSHA standards and requirements.

Forensic pathologist example responsibilities.

Supervise and manage pathology, microbiology and biochemistry laboratory.
Work independently under protocols for treatment to provide STI risk assessment, treatment, and prophylaxis including emergency contraception.
Work independently under protocols for treatment to provide STI risk assessment, treatment, and prophylaxis including emergency contraception.

Science technician vs forensic pathologist skills

Common science technician skills

Lab Equipment, 13%
Safety Regulations, 11%
Research Projects, 10%
Social Work, 7%
Data Entry, 4%
Technical Support, 4%

Common forensic pathologist skills

Body Fluids, 100%

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Science Technician vs Forensic Pathologist

Updated January 8, 2025

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