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Chemical processor vs analytical laboratory technician

The differences between chemical processors and analytical laboratory technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a chemical processor and an analytical laboratory technician. Additionally, an analytical laboratory technician has an average salary of $41,538, which is higher than the $37,953 average annual salary of a chemical processor.

The top three skills for a chemical processor include hazardous materials, safety procedures and OSHA. The most important skills for an analytical laboratory technician are lab equipment, analytical lab, and HPLC.

Chemical processor vs analytical laboratory technician overview

Chemical ProcessorAnalytical Laboratory Technician
Yearly salary$37,953$41,538
Hourly rate$18.25$19.97
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs8,35750,750
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

What does a chemical processor do?

Chemical processors are the workers who prepare a variety of chemicals for manufacturing and production. The processors operate and monitor the equipment that controls the chemical reactions when processing consumer or industrial products. They ensure that the work performed in the operations meets the work quality standards and that all materials and equipment follow the specifications when used. Also, they must have the ability to read and understand blueprints to make sure that every part of their equipment is in excellent condition before use.

What does an analytical laboratory technician do?

An analytical laboratory technician is responsible for operating various equipment to perform laboratory research and investigations under a professional scientist's supervision. Analytical laboratory technicians ensure the laboratory and machinery's safety and cleanliness to avoid potential hazards and keep accurate laboratory results. They also manage the adequacy of laboratory inventories, create purchase requests, and document findings for reference. An analytical laboratory technician must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in performing examinations accordingly while following strict safety protocols and regulatory policies.

Chemical processor vs analytical laboratory technician salary

Chemical processors and analytical laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Chemical ProcessorAnalytical Laboratory Technician
Average salary$37,953$41,538
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $50,000Between $32,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City-Elizabethtown, KY
Highest paying state-Maryland
Best paying company-Zoetis
Best paying industry-Pharmaceutical

Differences between chemical processor and analytical laboratory technician education

There are a few differences between a chemical processor and an analytical laboratory technician in terms of educational background:

Chemical ProcessorAnalytical Laboratory Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common majorBusinessChemistry
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Chemical processor vs analytical laboratory technician demographics

Here are the differences between chemical processors' and analytical laboratory technicians' demographics:

Chemical ProcessorAnalytical Laboratory Technician
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 88.4% Female, 11.6%Male, 55.0% Female, 45.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 8.3% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 9.3% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between chemical processor and analytical laboratory technician duties and responsibilities

Chemical processor example responsibilities.

  • Manage daily production schedule, monitor machine operation, addressed any etching machinery problems.
  • Learned ISO-9001 and FDA process certification procedures and quality control programs.
  • Maintain responsibility for manufacturing large-scale inorganic chemical synthesis.
  • Maintain responsibility for manufacturing large-scale inorganic chemical synthesis.

Analytical laboratory technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead aerobic, anaerobic and UV light testing, chemical residue testing and centrifuge to separate chemicals from water.
  • Analyze raw materials and finish products using HPLC, UV, GC, and FTIR according to specifications.
  • Acquire extensive knowledge of GMP and FDA regulations as well as specifications.
  • Prepare and analyze calibration curves and daily QC standards on GC and HPLC using ChemStation software.
  • Maintain and operate laboratory equipment and commendably troubleshoot and resolve an assortment of laboratory testing analyzers and perform diverse chemical tests.
  • Maintain and operate laboratory equipment and commendably troubleshoot and resolve an assortment of laboratory testing analyzers and perform diverse chemical tests.

Chemical processor vs analytical laboratory technician skills

Common chemical processor skills
  • Hazardous Materials, 15%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • OSHA, 9%
  • Etching, 8%
  • PPE, 7%
  • Hazardous Waste, 7%
Common analytical laboratory technician skills
  • Lab Equipment, 7%
  • Analytical Lab, 6%
  • HPLC, 6%
  • Chromatography, 5%
  • Wet Chemistry, 4%
  • Analytical Methods, 4%

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