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The differences between science technicians and laboratory 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 a laboratory technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a laboratory technician has an average salary of $40,038, 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 technician are patients, lab equipment, and customer service.
| Science Technician | Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $35,570 | $40,038 |
| Hourly rate | $17.10 | $19.25 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 16,073 | 84,357 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
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 technicians are medical professionals who work in the laboratory. They are responsible for the equipment in the laboratory, making sure tools are properly sanitized and sterilized after every use. They also ensure that laboratory equipment works well. Laboratory technicians may also be responsible for collecting and testing samples from patients. They prepare solutions and other chemicals that may be needed for testing. They also provide an analysis of the samples that they tested. Laboratory technicians ensure that all items in the laboratory are properly labeled and organized.
Science technicians and laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Technician | Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $35,570 | $40,038 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $47,000 | Between $27,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Wayfair | Tenaska |
| Best paying industry | Government | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a science technician and a laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Science Technician | Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | New York University |
Here are the differences between science technicians' and laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Science Technician | Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% | Male, 53.3% Female, 46.7% |
| 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, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |