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The differences between science technicians and laboratory research assistants 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 laboratory research assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a laboratory research assistant has an average salary of $36,537, 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 laboratory research assistant are data collection, patients, and laboratory equipment.
| Science Technician | Laboratory Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $35,570 | $36,537 |
| Hourly rate | $17.10 | $17.57 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 16,073 | 87,343 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| 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.
A laboratory research assistant is an individual who performs lab experiments and carries out projects designed by senior lab staff members. Laboratory research assistants design and conduct experiments using biohazards and other dangerous materials to gain information and test scientific processes. They must write detailed reports of their research and experiments and then deliver these reports in written and verbal forms. Laboratory research assistants may also work in different settings such as medical facilities and pharmaceutical companies.
Science technicians and laboratory research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Technician | Laboratory Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $35,570 | $36,537 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $47,000 | Between $24,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Wayfair | New York University |
| Best paying industry | Government | Education |
There are a few differences between a science technician and a laboratory research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Science Technician | Laboratory Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between science technicians' and laboratory research assistants' demographics:
| Science Technician | Laboratory Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% | Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8% |
| 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, 8.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 16.6% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |