SCIENCE TECHNICIANS

Nature of the Work

Science technicians use the principles and theories of science and mathematics to solve problems in research and development and to investigate, invent, and help improve products.  Their jobs are more practically oriented than those of scientists.

In recent years, laboratory instrumentation and procedures have become more complex, changing the work of science technicians in research and development.  The increasing use of robotics to perform many routine tasks formerly done by technicians has freed technicians to operate other, more sophisticated laboratory equipment.  Science technicians make extensive use of computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics, and high-technology industrial applications such as biological engineering.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

There are several ways to qualify for a job as a science technician.  Most employers prefer applicants who have at least 2 years of specialized training.  Many junior and community colleges offer associate degrees in a specific technology or a more general education in science and mathematics.  A number of 2-year associate degree programs are designed to provide easy transfer to a 4-year college or university if desired.  Technical institutes generally offer technician training but provide less theory and general education than junior or community colleges.  The length of programs at technical institutes varies, although 2-year associate degree programs are common.  Some of these schools offer cooperative-education programs, allowing students the opportunity to work at a local company while attending classes in alternate terms.  Many science technicians have a bachelor's degree in science or mathematics, or have had science and math courses in 4-year colleges.  Some people with bachelor's degrees in a physical or life science become science technicians because they can't find or don't want a job as a scientist or because employers couldn't find properly trained technicians with less education.  In some cases, they may be able to move into jobs as scientists, managers, or technical sales workers.

Job Outlook

Employment of science technicians is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005.  Continued growth of scientific research and development and the production of technical products should spur demand for all science technicians.  Advances in biotechnology will increase the need for biological technicians in particular.  However, growth of job openings will be moderated somewhat by an expected slowdown in overall employment growth in the chemical industry, where many chemical technicians are employed.

Earnings

Median annual earnings of science technicians were about $25,300 in 1992; the middle 50 percent earned between $18,700 and $33,400.  Ten percent earned less than $14,400, and 10 percent earned over $42,400.  At all income levels, chemical technicians earned significantly more than biological technicians.

In the Federal Government in 1993, science technicians could start at $14,600, $16,390, or $18,340, depending on their education and experience.  The average annual salary for biological science technicians in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions employed by the Federal Government in 1993 was $24,828; for mathematical technicians, $29,239; for physical science technicians, $31,484; for geodetic technicians, $37,282; for hydrologic technicians, $28,635; and for meteorologic technicians, $36,408.

Sources of Additional Information

For information about a career as a chemical technician, contact:

American Chemical Society, Education Division, Career Publications, 1155 16th St.  NW., Washington, DC 20036.


