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The differences between science technicians and pilot plant 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 pilot plant technician. Additionally, a pilot plant technician has an average salary of $55,161, 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 pilot plant technician are pilot plant equipment, safety procedures, and GMP.
| Science Technician | Pilot Plant Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $35,570 | $55,161 |
| Hourly rate | $17.10 | $26.52 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 16,073 | 23,485 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| 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.
Pilot plant technicians need relevant pilot plant experience or experience in a food manufacturing environment, as well as knowledge of operation and maintenance of pilot plant equipment. Paid salaries of $48K per year, those in this career are expected to operate experimental pilot plants, assist with experimental design, and develop new processes in chemical engineering and production.
Science technicians and pilot plant technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Technician | Pilot Plant Technician | |
| Average salary | $35,570 | $55,161 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $47,000 | Between $43,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Bridgeport, CT |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Wayfair | Koppers |
| Best paying industry | Government | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a science technician and a pilot plant technician in terms of educational background:
| Science Technician | Pilot Plant Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between science technicians' and pilot plant technicians' demographics:
| Science Technician | Pilot Plant Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% | Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0% |
| 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, 13.0% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 12.7% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |