What is a technologist?

A technologist is a leader or manager in their field. They solve technical issues and supervise others. They also usually handle advanced practical tasks related to their area of expertise.

Technologist is a broad job title found in many industries. Specific roles often include additional descriptors, such as an MRI technologist, to describe the area of expertise. In this example, the professional has advanced knowledge of MRI machines. They might operate the MRI machine, collaborate with a doctor to review results, maintain the equipment, evaluate the quality of images and write reports.

What is a technician?

Technicians apply their expertise to perform specific technical tasks in their field. They typically also have descriptors in their titles, such as pharmacy technician or maintenance technician.

For example, a lab technician performs tests on samples, records the results, stores samples and maintains the lab equipment. A manufacturing technician operates, troubleshoots and repairs production machinery, ensuring smooth operations.

Similarities between technologists and technicians

It’s common to have technologists and technicians in the same field. For example, you can hire an electrical technologist or an electrical technician, depending on the level of expertise your company needs. In the medical field, you often find both roles, such as radiologic technologists and radiologic technicians. They work with the same technology but in different capacities.

Differences between a technologist and a technician

Knowing the difference between technician and technologist roles can help you determine which better suits your organization. Consider these areas of comparison.

Training

Technologist vs. technician training and job requirements are significantly different. Technologists generally need a higher education level and may require advanced certifications. Depending on the industry, technologists may need a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field. Meanwhile, technicians don’t necessarily need formal education. Some fields require a short training program from a technical or community college.

Scope of duties

While technologists and technicians might work within the same field, the scope of their duties differs. Technologists handle a mix of theoretical and practical duties. For technologists, theoretical knowledge is the foundation of their expertise. By relying on abstract yet proven facts about their field, they can improve established processes and advance their company’s use of technology.

The job duties of a technician are practical in nature. They perform specific tasks to operate, install, maintain or fix equipment. Those tasks often come from the technologist’s decisions about processes and procedures.

In settings with both technologists and technicians, the technologists typically handle more advanced processes. For example, a clinical lab technologist may handle complex manual lab testing, whereas the technicians in the same department may process routine lab tests. Technologists might calibrate and perform maintenance on the lab equipment, while technicians complete cleaning tasks.

Supervisory expectations

A technician typically doesn’t have supervisory duties unless they’re training a newer technician. In that case, they might observe the new hire’s work and provide guidance or evaluate their performance.

The technologist role is generally a higher-level position. If the organization also has technicians, the technologist may supervise them and choose how the technology is used within the organization.

Pay rates

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a technologist is $130,377. Technicians typically make less, with average yearly earnings of $42,029. The gap in technologist vs. technician pay is due to the difference in job duties, expertise and training requirements.

Should you hire a technologist or a technician?

When deciding between hiring a technician vs. a technologist, consider these factors:

• Level of expertise: Decide how much expertise you need. If you want to implement changes at your company, you may prefer the expanded knowledge of a technologist. If you need someone with the technical skills to carry out the work, a technician might be well-suited for the role.
• Current staffing: Reflect on the company’s current staff. Doing a skills gap analysis helps you determine where you have room for improvement. Determine if you have staffing shortages to identify which roles to add.
• Necessary duties: Decide if the duties associated with your open position align with the managerial role of a technologist or the practical application role of a technician.
• Desire for change: Think about how that particular area of your business works now. Technologists offer expertise to solve problems, establish procedures and improve a niche. If you’re looking for change or enhancement, adding a technologist may help.

When to hire a technologist

Situations that might call for hiring a technologist include:

• You need an expert in the field.
• You already employ technicians but need a leader for the department.
• You’re branching out into a new area and want the guidance of a technologist.
• You want to improve your performance in a particular area.
• You need someone to establish processes and resolve issues.

When to hire a technician

You might decide to hire a technician in these circumstances:

• You already have a knowledgeable technologist on the team.
• Your current technicians could use support.
• You’re comfortable with your staff’s current level of expertise and use of technology.

FAQs about technician vs. technologist

Do organizations hire technologists and technicians?

It’s common for one organization to hire both technologists and technicians. The technologist often serves as a supervisor and leader for the technicians.

What should you look for when hiring a technologist?

Starting with a detailed job description helps you identify the specific qualifications you expect from technologist candidates. Since technologists often assume leadership roles, look for strong communication, collaboration, decision-making, problem-solving and other leadership qualities.

What should you look for when hiring a technician?

Technicians also need to be knowledgeable about a specific type of technology, but it may be more practical knowledge. Depending on the duties of your particular role, check for experience in installation, maintenance, inspection and repairs of the technology. Candidates might need experience working with specific tools or software programs. It can also be helpful for applicants to have problem-solving and communication skills.