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Science Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Science Technician information

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$24.5K

$48.4K

$79K

How much do science technician jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for science technician in the United States is $48,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Science Technician?

Science technicians set up and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure the experiments, tests, or research project runs smoothly. They also assist the lab scientists by documenting research data and analyzing the results. Specific job duties vary, depending on the facility and industry. You find science technicians across many different scientific fields, including biology, chemistry, health care, and forensics.

What is the difference between Science Technician vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectScience TechnicianLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or equivalent, relevant certificationsAssociate degree or diploma, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, research facilities, government labsHospitals, research labs, industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, universities, research organizationsMedical, biotech, pharmaceutical industries
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in education and researchTechnical support in labs, industry-specific tasks

Science Technicians and Laboratory Technicians share similar educational backgrounds and certifications, often working in laboratory environments. However, Science Technicians are more commonly employed in educational and research institutions, focusing on supporting scientific experiments and educational activities. Laboratory Technicians tend to work in medical, industrial, or biotech labs, providing technical support for testing and analysis. Both roles require technical skills, but their work settings and industry focus differ.

What does a scientific technician do?

A scientific technician supports research and laboratory activities by preparing experiments, maintaining equipment, collecting data, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They often work under the supervision of scientists or engineers and may need technical skills, knowledge of laboratory procedures, and relevant certifications. Their role is essential for accurate data collection and efficient laboratory operations.

What career can I do with technical science?

A science technician can pursue careers in laboratories, research facilities, or educational institutions, working with scientific equipment and conducting experiments. Skills in data analysis, laboratory procedures, and knowledge of scientific tools are essential, and certifications or degrees in science or technology can enhance job prospects.

What is the highest paid Lab Technician?

The highest paid lab technicians are often those with specialized skills, advanced certifications, or experience in high-demand fields such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or clinical laboratories. Salaries can reach over $60,000 annually, especially for senior roles or those working in private industry or research institutions. Geographic location and level of education also influence compensation levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Science Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Science Technician, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, scientific principles, and often a relevant degree or technical certification. Familiarity with lab equipment, safety protocols, and data analysis software such as LIMS is typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with colleagues and maintaining accurate records. These competencies ensure reliable experimental results, safe laboratory environments, and efficient support for research and teaching activities.

What is a science technician?

A science technician is a professional who supports scientific research and experiments by preparing equipment, collecting data, and maintaining laboratory instruments. They often work in laboratories, schools, or research facilities and may require technical skills and relevant certifications. Their role helps ensure experiments are conducted accurately and efficiently.

What are some common challenges Science Technicians face when supporting laboratory experiments?

Science Technicians often encounter challenges such as maintaining and calibrating a wide range of scientific equipment, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols, and effectively managing inventory of chemicals and supplies. They must also troubleshoot technical issues quickly to minimize disruptions during experiments and support multiple researchers or classes simultaneously. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for balancing these demands and ensuring the smooth operation of the laboratory.

What are Science Technicians?

Science Technicians are professionals who support the work of scientists in laboratories, schools, or research facilities. They are responsible for preparing equipment and materials, conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and maintaining laboratory safety and cleanliness. Science Technicians often assist in setting up experiments, calibrating instruments, and ensuring that all laboratory procedures follow safety regulations. Their work is essential for the smooth operation of scientific investigations and educational labs.
What cities are hiring for Science Technician jobs? Cities with the most Science Technician job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Science Technician jobs? The top employers for Science Technician jobs are:
What states have the most Science Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Science Technician jobs include:
Infographic showing various Science Technician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,391 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN

PHYSICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN

US Department of the Navy

Kittery, ME • On-site

$51K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 378 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

You will serve as a PHYSICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN in the RADIOLOGICAL MONITORING DIVISION, RADIOLOGICAL CONTROL OFFICE of PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD.
****THIS IS A COMPETITIVE DETAIL TO TRAINING, NOT TO EXCEED ONE YEAR, AT THE CURRENT PAY LEVEL OF THE INCUMBENT. ****Qualifications:GS-06
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of Specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
- Experience performing radiation surveys and utilizing control practices and requirements to implement recurring storage and decontamination activities.
- Experience utilizing ship and shipyard layout (including location of safety and emergency equipment, drain water and sewage systems, harbor, contaminated equipment, and radiation sources) to plan ways to control possible incidents.
- Experience working with ventilation, detection, filtration, and containment material, equipment, and systems to assure adequacy of various standard containment and ventilation systems and procedures.
- Experience interpreting work plans to detect deviations from approved procedures and assure compliance with radiological safety requirements.

GS-05
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of Specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-04 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
- Experience applying standardized rules, procedures, and operations that apply to laboratory principles, methods and techniques.
- Experience setting up, operating, maintaining and calibrating a variety of test equipment with known standards.
- Experience selecting and applying standards and guidelines to determine which samples must be further tested and referred for further evaluation.
- Experience gathering, recording, and assembling pertinent data and report observations and findings to appropriate personnel.

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
AND
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/physical-science-technician-series-1311/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:In lieu of specialized experience, you may qualify for the GS-05 position with the following education or combination of both education and experience:
For GS-05:
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of physical science, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as physical science, engineering, or any branch of mathematics, except financial and commercial mathematics.
A transcript must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education. See Required Documents for additional information.Employment Type: OTHER

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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