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The differences between field laboratory operators 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 field laboratory operator and an analytical laboratory technician. Additionally, a field laboratory operator has an average salary of $54,062, which is higher than the $41,538 average annual salary of an analytical laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a field laboratory operator include lab equipment, chemistry and safety regulations. The most important skills for an analytical laboratory technician are lab equipment, analytical lab, and HPLC.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Analytical Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,062 | $41,538 |
| Hourly rate | $25.99 | $19.97 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 109,087 | 50,750 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A field laboratory operator prepares a safe environment setting and checks on the equipment to be used in performing the experiment or procedure. They are responsible for recording results and correcting any discrepancies observed. They also make written reports and maintain and restock resources. They can train and hire laboratory assistants to increase manpower. They must also follow standard protocols and precautions while handling hazardous chemicals in and out of the laboratory. They collaborate with laboratory managers for the better execution of procedures and maintenance of the laboratory.
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.
Field laboratory operators and analytical laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Analytical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,062 | $41,538 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $77,000 | Between $32,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Elizabethtown, KY |
| Highest paying state | - | Maryland |
| Best paying company | - | Zoetis |
| Best paying industry | - | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a field laboratory operator and an analytical laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Analytical Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Business | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between field laboratory operators' and analytical laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Analytical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.6% Female, 37.4% | Male, 55.0% Female, 45.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 9.3% White, 62.2% 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 Percentage | 9% | 9% |