Science technician vs research laboratory technician

The differences between science technicians and research 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 research laboratory technician. Additionally, a research laboratory technician has an average salary of $38,308, 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 research laboratory technician are patients, chemistry, and laboratory equipment.

Science technician vs research laboratory technician overview

	Science Technician	Research Laboratory Technician
Yearly salary	$35,570	$38,308
Hourly rate	$17.10	$18.42
Growth rate	9%	9%
Number of jobs	16,073	86,476
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 69%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

What does a science technician do?

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.

What does a research laboratory technician do?

Research laboratory technicians play a vital role in scientific laboratories. They perform varied duties and responsibilities, which include setting up, operating, and maintaining the laboratory equipment, assisting in laboratory-based research activities such as sampling, testing, and analyzing results, and providing technical support to the laboratory team members. In addition, they are expected to support the development and advancement of science and modern medicine. Other typical duties of research laboratory technicians include preparing samples and specimens, keeping abreast with current technical developments, and ensuring strict compliance with safety procedures.

Science technician vs research laboratory technician salary

Science technicians and research laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Science Technician	Research Laboratory Technician
Average salary	$35,570	$38,308
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $47,000	Between $30,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	Chicago, IL
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	Illinois
Best paying company	Wayfair	Accenture
Best paying industry	Government	Manufacturing

Differences between science technician and research laboratory technician education

There are a few differences between a science technician and a research laboratory technician in terms of educational background:

	Science Technician	Research Laboratory Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 69%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common major	Biology	Biology
Most common college	Duke University	Cornell University

Science technician vs research laboratory technician demographics

Here are the differences between science technicians' and research laboratory technicians' demographics:

	Science Technician	Research Laboratory Technician
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3%	Male, 49.0% Female, 51.0%
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, 12.3% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.5% Asian, 15.7% White, 49.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between science technician and research laboratory technician duties and responsibilities

Science technician example responsibilities.

Identify owl species by sight and sound prompt using hoot flute and reed caller.
Manage daily RCRA inspections and mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment preventive/corrective maintenance procedures.
Administer laboratory tests and experiments that include various assays, such as ELISA and specialize technologies.
Create GIS layers and a corresponding database of artifacts find at various GPS locations in and around the project site.
Perform DNA quantification and real-time PCR analysis for determination of different bacterial species abundance.
Operate under GLP, FDA, EPA, and OSHA standards and requirements.

Research laboratory technician example responsibilities.

Manage RT-PCR screening of candidate genes.
Manage the development of innovative visualization and concept mapping of contest environment analysis challenges and analyst skill sets.
Use many scientific techniques to collect and analyze RNA, DNA, and specific proteins from lines of potato plants.
Preform computational molecular simulation of DNA and RNA.
Retain patients from previous research projects and update database using patient histories and correlating pertinent medical data.
Work with non human primates in an HIV testing laboratory.

Science technician vs research laboratory technician skills

Common science technician skills

Lab Equipment, 13%
Safety Regulations, 11%
Research Projects, 10%
Social Work, 7%
Data Entry, 4%
Technical Support, 4%

Common research laboratory technician skills

Patients, 9%
Chemistry, 7%
Laboratory Equipment, 7%
Cell Culture, 5%
Research Data, 4%
Research Projects, 4%

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Science Technician vs Research Laboratory Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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