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The differences between analytical laboratory analysts and laboratory assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an analytical laboratory analyst, becoming a laboratory assistant takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an analytical laboratory analyst has an average salary of $73,744, which is higher than the $34,168 average annual salary of a laboratory assistant.
The top three skills for an analytical laboratory analyst include tableau, SAS and python. The most important skills for a laboratory assistant are patients, phlebotomy, and customer service.
| Analytical Laboratory Analyst | Laboratory Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $73,744 | $34,168 |
| Hourly rate | $35.45 | $16.43 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 105,762 | 50,853 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
An analytical laboratory analyst's role is to gather and analyze samples, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. They are primarily responsible for preparing and handling apparatus, operating devices and machines, performing experiments and research, and coordinating with other scientists. It is also important to record data and results, develop optimal practices, handle issues and concerns, and perform corrective measures. Furthermore, an analytical laboratory analyst must implement all laboratory rules and regulations to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.
Laboratory assistants work for researchers, scientists, or professors in the laboratory setting. They are expected to have a solid background in the field of study of the laboratory they are assigned to. They do a variety of tasks in the laboratory, such as setting up equipment, observing experiments, analyzing results, creating reports, and recommending improvements to the testing. They may also be assigned to clean and sanitize laboratory equipment as needed. Laboratory assistants should have good research skills, analytical skills, and organizational skills.
Analytical laboratory analysts and laboratory assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Analytical Laboratory Analyst | Laboratory Assistant | |
| Average salary | $73,744 | $34,168 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $102,000 | Between $26,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Meta | UST Global |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an analytical laboratory analyst and a laboratory assistant in terms of educational background:
| Analytical Laboratory Analyst | Laboratory Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Finance | Biology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | New York University |
Here are the differences between analytical laboratory analysts' and laboratory assistants' demographics:
| Analytical Laboratory Analyst | Laboratory Assistant | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.5% Female, 37.5% | Male, 43.6% Female, 56.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 13.9% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 8% |