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The differences between bioinformatics scientists and laboratory analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a bioinformatics scientist, becoming a laboratory analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a bioinformatics scientist has an average salary of $91,530, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.
The top three skills for a bioinformatics scientist include python, next-generation sequencing and data analysis. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $91,530 | $44,024 |
| Hourly rate | $44.00 | $21.17 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 57,026 | 44,074 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A bioinformatics scientist specializes in studying biology while utilizing their expertise in computer science. Their responsibilities revolve around developing databases and software for biological advances, improving existing applications as needed, coordinating with different scientists and professionals, and maintaining extensive records of all research and transactions. It is essential to review all data, identify issues, troubleshoot, and perform corrective measures as needed. In a company setting, a bioinformatics scientist must create progress reports and presentations, all while adhering to the company's vision, mission, and goals.
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.
Bioinformatics scientists and laboratory analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Average salary | $91,530 | $44,024 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $129,000 | Between $31,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | New York |
| Best paying company | NVIDIA | AbbVie |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a bioinformatics scientist and a laboratory analyst in terms of educational background:
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Biostatistics | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between bioinformatics scientists' and laboratory analysts' demographics:
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.9% Female, 18.1% | Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 38.6% White, 42.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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% |