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The differences between field laboratory operators and analytical 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 technician. Additionally, an analytical technician has an average salary of $69,177, which is higher than the $54,062 average annual salary of a field laboratory operator.
The top three skills for a field laboratory operator include lab equipment, chemistry and safety regulations. The most important skills for an analytical technician are lab equipment, HPLC, and SQL.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Analytical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,062 | $69,177 |
| Hourly rate | $25.99 | $33.26 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 109,087 | 48,581 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| 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.
Analytical technicians are professionals who are responsible for managing the daily operation of activities in a laboratory as well as maintain lab equipment to ensure a high standard of sanitation. These technicians must assist in laboratory work, such as developing analytical test methods and performing analysis of raw materials and in-process samples. They are required to maintain relevant files and data records but should inform the laboratory manager when they are faced with technical problems. Analytical technicians should also determine the physical and chemical properties of compounds by using quantitative and qualitative analyses.
Field laboratory operators and analytical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Analytical Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,062 | $69,177 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $77,000 | Between $41,000 And $114,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Hartford, CT |
| Highest paying state | - | Maryland |
| Best paying company | - | Meta |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a field laboratory operator and an analytical technician in terms of educational background:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Analytical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Business | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between field laboratory operators' and analytical technicians' demographics:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Analytical Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.6% Female, 37.4% | Male, 56.4% Female, 43.6% |
| 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, 8.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 8.4% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |