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The differences between science technicians and research 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 technician. Additionally, a research technician has an average salary of $43,034, 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 technician are patients, data collection, and cell culture.
| Science Technician | Research Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $35,570 | $43,034 |
| Hourly rate | $17.10 | $20.69 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 16,073 | 64,786 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| 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 research technician is responsible for assisting in research studies and laboratory experiments. Research technicians operate laboratory tools and equipment, process data for experiments, collect samples for study, analyze existing research materials, analyze experiment results, manage inventories and stock supplies, record observations, and create reports for further examination. A research technician must have strong analytical and scientific knowledge, as well as a passion for research writing and investigations crucial for this kind of industry.
Science technicians and research technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Technician | Research Technician | |
| Average salary | $35,570 | $43,034 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $47,000 | Between $31,000 And $59,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Pasadena, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Wayfair | GCP Applied Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a science technician and a research technician in terms of educational background:
| Science Technician | Research Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between science technicians' and research technicians' demographics:
| Science Technician | Research Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3% | Male, 49.3% Female, 50.7% |
| 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, 12.0% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 16.5% White, 49.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |