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The differences between chemical processors and chemical 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 a chemical laboratory technician. Additionally, a chemical laboratory technician has an average salary of $41,087, 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 a chemical laboratory technician are lab equipment, routine maintenance, and chemical analysis.
| Chemical Processor | Chemical Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $37,953 | $41,087 |
| Hourly rate | $18.25 | $19.75 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 8,357 | 47,036 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 32% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
A chemical laboratory technician is in charge of performing support tasks for chemists in a laboratory or similar setting. Their duties and responsibilities typically revolve around handling and managing chemicals and laboratory apparatuses, gathering and preparing samples, performing analysis, operating machines and devices, and maintaining records of all procedures and results. They may also procure supplies, organize chemicals, and ensure proper waste disposal. Furthermore, as a chemical laboratory technician, it is essential to maintain the cleanliness and order in laboratories, all while implementing its policies and regulations.
Chemical processors and chemical laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chemical Processor | Chemical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $37,953 | $41,087 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $50,000 | Between $32,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Albuquerque, NM |
| Highest paying state | - | Maryland |
| Best paying company | - | Basin Electric Power Cooperative |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a chemical processor and a chemical laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Chemical Processor | Chemical Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 32% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Business | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between chemical processors' and chemical laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Chemical Processor | Chemical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6% | Male, 60.8% Female, 39.2% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 8.4% White, 62.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |