Archaeological field technician vs laboratory analyst

The differences between archaeological field technicians and laboratory analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an archaeological field technician and a laboratory analyst. Additionally, a laboratory analyst has an average salary of $44,024, which is higher than the $41,352 average annual salary of an archaeological field technician.

The top three skills for an archaeological field technician include GPS, data collection and data recovery. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.

Archaeological field technician vs laboratory analyst overview

	Archaeological Field Technician	Laboratory Analyst
Yearly salary	$41,352	$44,024
Hourly rate	$19.88	$21.17
Growth rate	9%	9%
Number of jobs	60,923	44,074
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	2	2

What does an archaeological field technician do?

The key role of an Archaeological Field Technician is to conduct archaeological surveys, testing, and data recovery. They prepare accurate and concise laboratory documentation/mapping.

What does a laboratory analyst do?

A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.

Archaeological field technician vs laboratory analyst salary

Archaeological field technicians and laboratory analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Archaeological Field Technician	Laboratory Analyst
Average salary	$41,352	$44,024
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $50,000	Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	New York, NY
Highest paying state	Vermont	New York
Best paying company	ERM	AbbVie
Best paying industry	Government	Pharmaceutical

Differences between archaeological field technician and laboratory analyst education

There are a few differences between an archaeological field technician and a laboratory analyst in terms of educational background:

	Archaeological Field Technician	Laboratory Analyst
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common major	Anthropology	Biology
Most common college	Harvard University	Stanford University

Archaeological field technician vs laboratory analyst demographics

Here are the differences between archaeological field technicians' and laboratory analysts' demographics:

	Archaeological Field Technician	Laboratory Analyst
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 50.4% Female, 49.6%	Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 8.1% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between archaeological field technician and laboratory analyst duties and responsibilities

Archaeological field technician example responsibilities.

Utilize ARCGIS to keep track of areas cover by survey and manage the project.
Manage network reliability, capacity and performance in conjunction with RF engineering establish guidelines.
Help establish and implement GPS and GIS technologies, replacing outdate survey and mapping methodologies.
Input data and create maps using ArcView 3.2 and ArcGIS 9.0.
Conduct literature reviews including creating GIS maps.
Document sites using hand drawings, GPS unit and digital camera.

Laboratory analyst example responsibilities.

Use sophisticate laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, FTIR, UV, GC) and computer systems to collect and record data.
Analyze organic compounds using gravimetric, titration, distillation and spectrophotometry methods.
Prepare for and represent the laboratory during FDA, customer, and ISO audits.
Complete preparation of organic samples for GC, HPLC, IR and GCMS analysis.
Prepare solid and aqueous samples for analysis on diagnostic instruments including GC, GCMS and IC.
Utilize internal LIMS computer database for data entry and communication.

Archaeological field technician vs laboratory analyst skills

Common archaeological field technician skills

GPS, 24%
Data Collection, 11%
Data Recovery, 9%
GIS, 7%
Excavations, 7%
Sketch, 6%

Common laboratory analyst skills

Test Methods, 8%
Lab Equipment, 7%
Lims, 5%
Laboratory Procedures, 5%
Sample Preparation, 5%
Analytical Methods, 4%

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Archaeological Field Technician
Archaeological Field Technician vs Laboratory Analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

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