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The differences between scientists and 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 scientist, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a scientist has an average salary of $97,344, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for a scientist include chemistry, data analysis and patients. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Scientist | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $97,344 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $46.80 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 62,467 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A scientist is responsible for researching and analyzing the nature and complexities of the physical world to identify discoveries that would improve people's lives and ignite scientific knowledge for society. Scientists' duties differ in their different areas of expertise, but all of them must have a broad comprehension of scientific disciplines and methods to support their experiments and investigations. They collect the sample for their research, record findings, create research proposals, and release publications. A scientist must know how to utilize laboratory equipment to support the study and drive results efficiently and accurately.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Scientists and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Scientist | Technician | |
| Average salary | $97,344 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $140,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redwood City, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Airbnb | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a scientist and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Scientist | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Business |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | - |
Here are the differences between scientists' and technicians' demographics:
| Scientist | Technician | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.9% Female, 43.1% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 2% |