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The differences between field laboratory operators 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 field laboratory operator and a chemical laboratory technician. Additionally, a field laboratory operator has an average salary of $54,062, which is higher than the $41,087 average annual salary of a chemical laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a field laboratory operator include lab equipment, chemistry and safety regulations. The most important skills for a chemical laboratory technician are lab equipment, routine maintenance, and chemical analysis.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemical Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,062 | $41,087 |
| Hourly rate | $25.99 | $19.75 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 109,087 | 47,036 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| 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.
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.
Field laboratory operators and chemical laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,062 | $41,087 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $77,000 | 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 field laboratory operator and a chemical laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemical Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Business | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between field laboratory operators' and chemical laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Field Laboratory Operator | Chemical Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.6% Female, 37.4% | Male, 60.8% Female, 39.2% |
| 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, 7.8% 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% |