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The differences between analytical laboratory analysts and policy analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an analytical laboratory analyst and a policy analyst. Additionally, an analytical laboratory analyst has an average salary of $73,744, which is higher than the $66,359 average annual salary of a policy analyst.
The top three skills for an analytical laboratory analyst include tableau, SAS and python. The most important skills for a policy analyst are public policy, policy analysis, and policy issues.
| Analytical Laboratory Analyst | Policy Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $73,744 | $66,359 |
| Hourly rate | $35.45 | $31.90 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 105,762 | 69,173 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
Policy analysts are responsible for developing government policies and providing advice and briefing to senior management. These professionals work to influence both social and political decisions. They typically work in four key areas, including collecting information, analyzing policies, providing recommendations, and sharing information with government officials and the public. Additionally, they are also expected to consult with stakeholders to provide quantitative evidence supporting their policy. The rest of their time is spent on writing, reading, and analyzing information.
Analytical laboratory analysts and policy analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Analytical Laboratory Analyst | Policy Analyst | |
| Average salary | $73,744 | $66,359 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $102,000 | Between $47,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Insurance |
There are a few differences between an analytical laboratory analyst and a policy analyst in terms of educational background:
| Analytical Laboratory Analyst | Policy Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Finance | Political Science |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between analytical laboratory analysts' and policy analysts' demographics:
| Analytical Laboratory Analyst | Policy Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.5% Female, 37.5% | Male, 46.1% Female, 53.9% |
| 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, 8.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 12.1% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |