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The differences between science technicians and laboratory researchers 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 laboratory researcher. Additionally, a science technician has an average salary of $35,570, which is higher than the $27,760 average annual salary of a laboratory researcher.
The top three skills for a science technician include lab equipment, safety regulations and research projects. The most important skills for a laboratory researcher are lab procedures, cell culture, and molecular biology.
| Science Technician | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Yearly salary | $35,570 | $27,760 |
| Hourly rate | $17.10 | $13.35 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 16,073 | 57,359 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| 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.
Laboratory researchers are professionals who manage a research laboratory while performing cellular and biochemical experiments with the primary researcher. These researchers must work with hazardous chemicals and should show expertise in handling lab equipment such as glassware and field equipment. They are required to assist with research projects and interpret the test data of an experiment. They must manage the order of all lab equipment by filling up the purchase requisition forms. Laboratory researchers are required to work with students in all aspects of laboratory research.
Science technicians and laboratory researchers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Technician | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Average salary | $35,570 | $27,760 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $47,000 | Between $17,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | New Brunswick, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Maine |
| Best paying company | Wayfair | Los Alamos National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Government | Education |
There are a few differences between a science technician and a laboratory researcher in terms of educational background:
| Science Technician | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between science technicians' and laboratory researchers' demographics:
| Science Technician | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% | Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3% |
| 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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |