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The differences between science technicians and microbiological laboratory technicians 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 microbiological laboratory technician. Additionally, a microbiological laboratory technician has an average salary of $38,713, 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 microbiological laboratory technician are microbiology lab, laboratory procedures, and aseptic technique.
| Science Technician | Microbiological Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $35,570 | $38,713 |
| Hourly rate | $17.10 | $18.61 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 16,073 | 44,567 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| 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.
A microbiological laboratory technician specializes in handling and testing samples, ensuring accuracy and safety. Often working under the supervision of a more experienced scientist, a microbiological laboratory technician has the responsibility to operate various devices and machines, record all progress and data, review results, and produce reports and documentation. There are also instances when a technician must submit results within deadlines or follow a senior scientist's directives. Furthermore, it is essential to adhere to the safety policies and rules of the laboratory at all times.
Science technicians and microbiological laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Technician | Microbiological Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $35,570 | $38,713 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $47,000 | Between $29,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Burlington, MA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Wayfair | AstraZeneca |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a science technician and a microbiological laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Science Technician | Microbiological Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between science technicians' and microbiological laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Science Technician | Microbiological Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% | Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0% |
| 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, 11.3% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 15.2% White, 51.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |