How To Become An Analytical Scientist: What It Is and Career Path

What is an analytical scientist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted Expert

Dr. Kevin Francis

The title of an "analytical scientist" is a broad job description that covers several science-related focuses, including chemistry and biology. Analytical scientists identify the chemical composition of substances through research and experiments. These studies are geared towards specific goals, depending on their employer.

As an analytical scientist, you can work in pharmacist companies, forensic labs, chemical manufacturing plants, or educational institutions. Their daily tasks include developing analytical methods for studying a substance and conducting testing. They may work in conjunction with other analytical scientists, lab technicians, and assistants. Other parts of the job are evaluating data, managing inventory, and supervising the maintenance of laboratory equipment.

A bachelor's degree in a related field is the minimum amount of education accepted to work as an analytical scientist. Some employers require more advanced degrees than others. Relevant skills for this role include critical thinking and attention to detail. On average, a full-time analytical scientist brings in more than $78,000 annually.

What general advice would you give to an Analytical Scientist?

Dr. Kevin Francis

Assistant Professor and Chemistry Undergrduate Coordinator, Website

I am a firm believer that if you love your job you will never work a day in your life, so feel this
should not be the primary goal. Many of those I was in school with make triple or even more
than my salary but have expressed dissatisfaction with their jobs. Some have switched jobs
multiple times due to this dissatisfaction. At the same time, if you have invested in your
education and training you should at least make a living wage.

In Chemistry at least a Master's degree is needed for most decent paying jobs. I encourage
students not to fear graduate schools and remain confident. Apply to those offering intership
opportunities or other on the job trainings. Many of our graduate students complete these during
the summer. Many of the internships lead to good jobs in those companies upon graduation.
It is more important to enjoy your job though than to get paid a lot to do it.

ScoreAnalytical ScientistUS Average

Salary

7.1

Avg. Salary $90,807

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

6.3

Growth Rate 17%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.15%

Asian 26.66%

Black or African American 6.36%

Hispanic or Latino 9.59%

Unknown 4.10%

White 53.13%

Gender

female 43.82%

male 56.18%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress Level

6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.8

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

4.7

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an analytical scientist

Explore analytical scientist education requirements

Most common analytical scientist degrees

Bachelor's

67.3 %

Master's

21.4 %

Doctorate

7.1 %

Start to develop specific analytical scientist skills

Skills	Percentages
HPLC	7.52%
GMP	5.39%
Analytical Chemistry	4.90%
Java	4.02%
Data Analysis	3.71%

Complete relevant analytical scientist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New analytical scientists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an analytical scientist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real analytical scientist resumes.

Research analytical scientist duties and responsibilities

Major responsibility are to develop, enhance and validate LC-MS/MS methods and to manage regulate GLP bioanalysis.
Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
Perform stability testing using UV/Vis and HPLC for assay, relate compound, and dissolution to support the regulatory compliance.
Generate technical reports and collaborate with QC for validation and assay transfer.

Prepare your analytical scientist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your analytical scientist resume.

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